It seems like at least once a week either I or one of my pastor friends writes a blog entry about dealing with critics.

It usually consists of us renewing our vow to not waste time responding to haters.

And our logic goes: We’ll never be able to change their minds, so why bother?

I’m going to take the argument one step further:

Even if we could change their minds, so what?
What good would it accomplish?
What value would it add to our lives and ministries, or the Kingdom of God?

Every once in a while, someone will tell me something along these lines:
“When I first met you/heard you speak, I didn’t like you very much. But I’ve changed my mind now, I think you’re ok.”

I think that’s supposed to be a compliment.
But how am I supposed to respond to it?
Should I jump up and down to celebrate the happy reality that the jury of your opinions has convened and declared me not guilty?

I’m no more complete in Christ now that you think I’m ok than I was when you thought I was a jerk.

So this is my new reasoning behind giving 0 time, bandwidth, or response to fault-finders:

It’s not just that I doubt I could change your mind about me.
It’s just that I don’t care so much.

My identity isn’t hanging in the balance awaiting your approval or disapproval.
My identity is in Jesus.
His approval changed everything.
The approval of the critic changes nothing.