I recently shared a post on social media that prompted a private message from an old high school classmate and social media “friend”. In it, she accused me of saying what I did in an attempt to curry favor with another former classmate.

I politely explained that my post did in fact reflect my personal long-held belief that I had expressed often, starting long ago in a “current events” class I took one semester in high school and that I didn’t have a clue what the other classmate’s opinion might be. (Yes, I went to his social media page to see if my post somehow mirrored one he had made, but he hadn’t commented on the issue I referred to, so . . .)

Sharing my opinions and thoughts as a writer makes me vulnerable to criticism such as this. I deliberately weigh my words carefully, making sure I choose the ones that most clearly express what I am trying to say in a respectful manner. And I think that’s the prudent thing to do, of course.

Sometimes, though, particularly after receiving feedback like that from my old classmate, I tend to overthink my words. And that is not the right thing to do.

Colossians 3: 23-24 reminds me to, as Bob Goff says in today’s devotion, look for God’s approval, not other people’s agreement as I do with gusto what I believe God has called me to do.

What is it God has called you to do? Are you doing it with gusto, striving only to please Him?

Putting yourself out there makes you vulnerable, open to criticism and doubt. Whatever you are doing, if your words and actions are aligned with God’s Word, you’re on the right track. Be courageous — follow with gusto!