"Judged"

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court.  In fact, I do not even judge myself.  For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted.  It is the Lord who judges me.  Therefore, do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.  Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:3-5

"My brother pastor, tomorrow you will preach and lead.  You want to be found faithful.  But by whose standards of faithfulness are you to be judged?  Whose opinion finally counts?

"You desire to please everyone in everything you do (1 Corinthians 10:33).  But not even the great apostle Paul succeeded in that desire.  The Corinthians put him under intensely negative scrutiny.  I hope everyone in your church thinks you’re wonderful.  If you are faithful to Christ, you are.  But some might find fault with you.  Should you listen for whatever wisdom might be embedded even in unwise criticisms?  Sure.  But don’t let anyone but Christ define you.  Maintain your objectivity as his servant.  Take the criticisms to him, therefore, looking honestly at his Word and humbly at yourself, and let him be your judge.  But don’t freak out.  Paul considered human criticism “a very small thing.”

"What others think of you does not determine who you are and what you’re really worth.  What you think of yourself doesn’t even determine that.  You serve the Lord Christ.  Be set apart to him alone, and he will commend you.  And with his strong assurance strengthening your heart, you can love your critics more than they expect to be loved."

-- Ray Ortlund, Jr.