We all know them—those who sit in the cheap seats or watch from the sidelines but never truly play the game. And they show up in many different forms—parents, colleagues, even strangers on the internet.

Years ago, a news piece was published about our school that didn’t paint the whole picture. It told one narrow side of the story, leaving out some critical context. As soon as it hit social media, the comments poured in—some supportive, others critical—and then came the critics from the cheap seats. You know the ones. They weren’t addressing the real issues at hand. No, they made it personal, attacking the educators, the school, and, of course, the principal (that would be me).

In the days that followed, I was called things I’d never heard before—and that’s saying something, considering my years working in a middle school. My leadership was questioned, and my character was scrutinized by people who had never set foot inside my school. It felt like my worth was being debated in the comment section.

Scripture warns us about these critics. In Jude 17-19, we read:

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” (NIV)

So how do you know when to lean in or let go?

1. Discern the voice: As Jude reminds us, there will always be scoffers—those whose goal is to tear down others. Ask yourself, Is this person speaking from a place of wisdom and love, or are they simply sowing division? Not every voice is worth a response. When the critique comes from someone who doesn’t know your heart or your work, it might be time to let go and turn your focus back to God’s voice.
2. Seek wisdom in the Word: The Bible offers clear guidance on how to respond to criticism. Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” When feedback is rooted in truth and aligns with God’s Word, that’s when you lean in. Wise counsel—even if it’s hard to hear—can lead to growth. But criticism from those who don’t understand your calling, or aren’t invested in your journey, can be safely set aside.
3. Focus on your calling: When Jesus was criticized, He didn’t allow those voices to derail His mission. In Luke 6:22, He reminds us, “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” The cheap seats are far from where the real work happens. Stay grounded in your calling. Lean in when the feedback helps you grow closer to your purpose in Christ, and let go of what pulls you away from it.

Here’s the truth: not every critic deserves your attention. The ones sitting in the cheap seats don’t define your value, and their voices should not drown out the One that truly matters—God’s. Today, I challenge you to ask yourself, Which voices have I been listening to that I need to let go of?

Start by praying for discernment. Are these voices drawing you closer to God’s purpose for your life, or pulling you away from it? Lean into the voices that encourage, challenge, and help you grow. Let go of the noise that distracts and divides.

And remember, God’s opinion is the only one that matters in the end.