This morning, I gave a leadership talk to 100 students at a public high school (what up Butler? You white boys can’t dance!) who gave me a standing ovation at the end and lined up afterward to tell me how much I had changed their lives.

One hour later, I was in my office having a phone conversation with a guy who had totally assaulted my character and brought accusations against me and our ministry that couldn’t have been more untrue. The more I tried to explain myself, the more he didn’t understand.

You know what?
I love it!

I’m a big boy, and if I have to be misunderstood sometimes (usually by people who don’t even go to our church) to see the glory of God reign in my life, bring it on.
After all, Jesus was brutalized on a cross so I could live this life. A nasty accusation ain’t so bad.

I am resolved more than ever to continue to walk in integrity, focus on Jesus and His calling on my life, love my wife and those God has called me to lead, and ignore the insults.

I will not be intimidated by people who don’t want to even attempt to understand the way we do things.
I won’t give an inch of ground or another minute of my time to those who want to take shots at this ministry without seeking to know the heart of this ministry.

We’re going to hit the delete button on a lot more emails around here.
We’re going to refuse to have a lot more pointless conversations.

Not because we’re perfect, and not because we don’t have room to grow.

But because we don’t have time to get into Junior High fistfights with people who are already supposedly going to heaven anyway.

You know what I’m focused on today? The hundreds of people who do not know Jesus Christ and will be at Elevation Sunday. And the next. And the next.
God, forgive me for all the time I’ve wasted running after all the wrong people.
I’m into your mission, Lord. Seeking and saving what is lost.
Not defending myself to those who are already found.

No more back and forth with the critics and the haters for this pastor.

And for those of you who think this is harsh, check out Jesus on the subject:
Matthew 23:13-36.

Elevation, are you with me?
I know you are.

Let’s stay focused.

The greatest Sunday of our life is only 3 days away!