Influence

Upon reading the title of this post, I’m guessing you either assumed this is going to be about “protecting one's reputation” or “living up to the name ‘Christian’”. 

Which one matters most; this one or that one? 

The answer is: both. For a couple of minutes, let’s stop and think about how others perceive us.

  

“…he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” – 1 Tim. 3:7 (ESV)

In 1 Tim. 3, verse seven, Paul describes to Timothy how those who are chosen to lead Christ’s church must be well thought of by outsiders. This piqued my curiosity – in 2 Tim. 3:12, Paul states that “all who desire to lead a Godly life will be persecuted”. 

Is this a contradiction? 

The qualities given for "overseers" are good qualities for anyone to have. 

If God gives us a list of the qualities for those whom he wants to lead his church, then we know that those standards are good standards to live up to.

With that in mind, one might say that this verse tells us it is good for every Christian to have a good reputation.

So, Christians are supposed to be well thought of by non-Christians, yet all who even desire to be Christians are going to be persecuted? 

How does this work? 

If you are a Christian, as I am, then your light should shine as an example to the world; others should see us and think “what a generous, self-controlled, mature, joyful person that is; is that what it really means to be a Christian? I want to be like that.” 

If someone lives a Godly life, it does not necessarily guarantee that the persecution will end. 

However, by being consistent in dedicating oneself to meeting others’ spiritual and physical needs and guiding them towards Christ, not only can each one of us be a good influence for non-Christians, we will make those who persecute Christians feel guilty.

“And I heard the voice of The Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” And He said, “Go, and say to this people…” (Is. 6:8, 9) 

Many in the world today wear the name Christ, but few are willing to make the sacrifice. 

If you are a Christian, join me in ensuring that we aren’t just wearing the name of Christ; let’s live up to it. 

Thanks for reading, 

- Bro. Ethan


For the full post, in which we go into much greater detail on the topic of Christian influence, check out this post my blog: www.manofg.blogspot.com