What You Think of Me Is None of My Business: A Biblical Word for Christian Leaders

As Christian men in leadership, we carry a high calling: to lead with integrity, humility, and boldness. But let’s be honest, leadership is tough. You stand up, speak out, make decisions, and inevitably, someone’s not going to like it. So many opinions, am I right? Criticism comes with the territory. People will question your motives, misunderstand your actions, not seek the Lord before coming to you with how they think things should be done, and even speak against you when your heart is in the right place. If you’re not careful, their opinions can become a prison. And often times, their options reopen wounds we thought we healed from.

So how do we lead with courage, without getting crushed under the weight of other people’s opinions? How do we stay humble and open to wisdom, yet firm enough not to get derailed by every comment or critique?

Let’s start with truth:

Wayne W. Dyer wrote a book entitled, “What you think of me is none of my business.” It’s not Scripture, but it’s a phrase that carries powerful wisdom, especially for a Christian leader. Why? Because too often we live reactively rather than proactively, shaped more by what others say about us than what God says to us.

1. Jesus Was Misunderstood, So Why Should We Expect Different?

Jesus, the perfect leader, was constantly misunderstood and criticized. He was called a glutton, a drunkard, a blasphemer. His own family questioned His sanity (Mark 3:21 - families have the best opinions, don’t they?!). Religious leaders despised Him. And yet, He never let their opinions define His identity or mission.

Isaiah 53:3 describes Him as “despised and rejected by men,” and yet He fulfilled His purpose with unwavering focus.

If Jesus wasn’t driven by public opinion, why should we be?

Galatians 1:10 says it clearly:

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

When we anchor our identity in the opinions of others, we lose the clarity and courage needed to lead effectively. When we anchor our identity in Christ, we gain the freedom to lead from a place of peace, not pressure.

2. There Is Wisdom in a Multitude of Counsel

While we shouldn’t be ruled by every opinion, Scripture is clear: we shouldn’t isolate ourselves either.

Proverbs 15:22 tells us:

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

This is where maturity comes in, being able to discern which voices are speaking wisdom and which are just noise. A wise leader listens to feedback, but he doesn’t become enslaved to it.

Invite godly counsel. Surround yourself with men who love the Lord, know the Word, and care more about your soul than your status. Let their voices refine you, not define you. That’s what we do.

3. You’re Not Called to Be Liked…You’re Called to Be Faithful

Leadership isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a call to faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 4:2 says:

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

You’ve been entrusted with people, vision, responsibility and the greatest gift of all: the Gospel. That kind of stewardship will draw criticism. It will cost you. But it’s worth it.

Your job is not to please everyone. Your job is to be faithful to the One who called you.

4. Guard Your Heart Without Hardening It

Here’s where it gets real: when the criticism comes, it stings. Especially when it’s personal. Especially when it feels unfair. That’s when you have to make a choice:

Will I let this wound me, or will I let God use it to strengthen me?

Proverbs 4:23 says:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Guarding your heart doesn’t mean closing it off. It means protecting it from bitterness, offense, and the temptation to lead from a place of hurt instead of wholeness.

Let the criticism push you to the Cross, not away from it. Let it drive you to prayer, to humility, and to the feet of Jesus, who knows exactly how you feel.

5. Your Identity Is Settled at the Cross

At the end of the day, this is where it all rests: Who does God say you are?

You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9).

You are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).

You are called (2 Timothy 1:9).

You are forgiven (Colossians 1:14).

You are loved (Romans 8:38-39).

When you lead from that place, the opinions of others lose their power. You’re no longer leading for affirmation—you’re leading from affirmation.

Brother, keep your eyes on Jesus. Lead with a tender heart and a thick skin. Stay teachable, but don’t let the crowd’s voices drown out the still, small voice of your Father.

Yes, there’s wisdom in counsel. But your calling wasn’t put to a vote. So the next time someone’s opinion starts echoing in your mind, pause and ask yourself:

Did this come from the throne of God… or the court of public opinion? Then walk forward, with confidence, knowing that your Father sees you, knows you, and is pleased when you lead with faithfulness.

Lead well. Stand firm. Keep your heart.