If you want to lead the orchestra, you’ll have to turn your back to the crowd.
Why? Because leaders cannot be people-pleasers.
People are fickle. Changing their minds from one moment to the next. One day they adore you and agree with your every sentiment. Then, the next day they don’t and become your loudest critics.
Once Paul learned this truth, it set him free to preach the gospel. He knew that if he tried to please people, he could never have chosen to follow Jesus and preach the gospel (Galatians 1:10). The truth of the gospel offends people (1 Corinthians 1:23).
If you are leading others for Jesus’s glory, lead well. But realize you may need to turn your back to the crowd.
And that’s okay.
You are leading your orchestra to create a beautiful sound for God’s ears alone.