Galatians 2:12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Fear comes in all shapes and sizes. When I think of the apostle Peter, the last thing I think of is a person controlled by fear. Peter is the guy who pulled a sword at Jesus’ arrest, walked on water, and boldly preached to audiences of thousands. However, like you and me, Peter was susceptible to the fear of criticism. On this occasion, fear got the best of Peter and instead of influencing people toward right living with Christ He unintentionally instigated a move of division. Fear always perverts the message we desire our life to preach.

To over come fear of criticism, remember this:

• Criticism will come no matter what route you take in life. Choose to embrace criticism for doing the right things. Live a life of faith instead of fear and be criticized for good instead of evil. If the goal of your life is to avoid criticism, you will spend your life avoiding some of the most pivotal experiences that God desires you to have.
• You don’t get to pick which example people follow. Peter was giving his life to the cause of Christ. He went through countless persecutions and hardships and encouraged people to do the same. Yet this one moment of weakness seems to be a moment people imitated the quickest. One moment of fear undermined years of influence.
• Respond quickly to correction. When Paul confronted Peter, Peter had a choice to make. He could either get bitter or get better. The gospel record indicates that Peter responded well and kept preaching to all people. When God provides correction by His spirit or through a person, don’t allow pride to keep you from getting on track. Your influence is too important to be derailed by fear.

Today’s Challenge: Fear will attempt to sneak into your life. Don’t allow fear to rob you of the influence God has given you. Choose to embrace criticism for the right things.