American pastor and televangelist Joel Osteen has shared a message encouraging people to remain focused on their purpose and avoid being distracted by insults, jealousy and criticism as they experience growth and promotion in life.
In a motivational message shared on social media, Osteen explained that when God increases a person’s influence and takes them to a higher level, they must also learn how to handle the negativity that may come with their progress.
According to him, people must develop the ability to dodge what he describes as ‘spears’ thrown at them by others. These, he explained, could come in the form of insults, jealousy, criticism, false accusations or deliberate attempts to damage their reputation.
He encouraged people not to respond to every negative comment or feel compelled to defend themselves against every accusation, but rather remain focused on their journey.
“When God promotes you, gives you more influence, you have to get good at dodging spears.
Someone throws an insult, dodge it. Someone throws jealousy, tries to make you look bad, dodge it. Someone throws criticism, says things that aren’t true, dodge it,” he stated.
Osteen further suggested that persecution and negative reactions can sometimes come when people begin to recognise the favour and progress in another person’s life.
His message serves as a reminder that personal growth often requires emotional maturity, patience and the wisdom to know which battles deserve attention.
Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, one of the largest churches in the United States. He is also a bestselling author and internationally recognised motivational speaker whose teachings focus largely on faith, hope, personal development and living a purpose-driven life.
The message has a simple takeaway: not every insult deserves a response, not every criticism deserves an argument, and not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes, the best way to protect your progress is to keep moving forward.
