Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Pachydermatous

Yeah, that's an actual word.  It means "thick skinned."

Think of an elephant, rhinoceros, or a hippopotamus.  All of these animals are considered pachyderms.  They are hoofed animals with very thick skin. That's what makes them pachyderms.

I need to be more pachydermatous. My guess is that you probably do, too.

Oftentimes we make ourselves way too available to our critics. In our desperate desire to be liked, we give credence to everyone's opinion. One critical word can totally destroy our mood.  It can ruin our day, our week, etc.

This is a sin.

The Bible clearly tells us, "Do not pay attention to every word people say…" (Ecclesiastes 7:21a, NIV)

A godly person isn't constantly taking opinion polls about how they're doing.  They simply don't listen to every single word that people say.  You don't have to make yourself available to someone who wants to do nothing but tear you down.

Now, that's not to say that you can stop criticism from coming.  That's impossible. You can reduce your availability to your critics, but you can't stop them entirely.

That's when you need to be pachydermatous.  You need to develop a good, godly, thick skin.

Listen to what David wrote in Psalm 56.

"Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me;  all day long they press their attack. My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:1-4, NIV)

A thick skin begins with a clear perspective.

God is with you.  God will fight for you.

If that's true, then how much do your critics really matter?  Seriously…if you actually believe that the eternal God is with you, then what can mortal man do to you?

And remember the wisdom of Proverbs 29:25.  "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." (NIV)

These truths should help us live with a clear perspective on who God is, who we are, and who our critics are.

A clear perspective leads to a thick skin.

Go and be a pachyderm today.