“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” —Jesus (Matthew 10:14)
Another way of saying it is, “Go with the people who want to be with you.”
You’ve heard it said that we can’t be all things to all people. And it’s true. Some have the gift of adaptability and are better at appealing to a variety of groups and types. But most of us ought to practice following the favor.
Usually, when a door closes it’s not a physical barrier but relational one. It might feel like rejection, but it’s not final. It’s a turning point. You followed the favor to get to where you were. That’s done now. Time to follow new favor.
If they don’t listen or can’t hear you, don’t be mad. Go to the next town… company… church… opportunity.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that your approach/message/ideas need to change and adapt for a changing world. But if you’re not being stubborn, and your counselors aren’t exposing your blindspots… keep moving.
Follow the favor of God.