‘He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.’ 1 Timothy 3:7 (NIV).
Earning a good reputation with those who don’t know Christ is critical for our credible testimony as believers. This doesn’t come easy when unbelievers are skeptical and critical of Christians, ready to judge them for the slightest error. Paul exhorts Timothy to behave in such a way that will ensure people outside the church speak well of him.
As Christians we should act as dependable friends, supportive neighbors, kind and considerate work mates. How we carry out our duties as members of our community, as friends and as neighbors will either help or hinder our ability to communicate the gospel. We all have friends who are not followers of Christ. Does our reputation before them facilitate or frustrate the cause of Christ?
As we are confronted with the growing secularism in our society, we must be vigilant in guarding our reputation as God’s people. The world needs men and women of God who will stand up for Christ, eagerly pursue holy living and sacrificially offer ourselves to others.
We must ensure that we’re building bridges with unbelievers so that they will know who Christ is by our loving behavior. If we fail to do this, Paul says we will fall into disgrace and ultimately into the devil’s trap; for he desires to see all Christians lose their good reputation.
Prayer:
‘Dear Lord, help me to pursue holy living and as I do to build a good reputation with those outside of the church. Show me Father, where I can share your life and love with those who are yet to know you.’
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
AMEN!
Final Thoughts:
Are we building bridges with the lost? Have we become too comfortable sharing Christ just with each other? What would it take to step out of our comfortable Christian circles and heed the call to share Christ’s love with others?
There is a command to follow, an instruction to heed. Christ said ‘Go’ and so we must, building a good reputation with outsiders as we share our faith, hope and God’s love with them.
Be Greatly Blessed!
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