Wednesday; October 14

Does it really matter what people think of us?  Now, I think that answer to that question has several opportunities for discussion.  On one hand, we need to protect our reputation so that we can be positive influences on the people around us; however, there is another take that we must answer with a “No!”.  You see, when it comes to how we deal with people, it doesn’t matter what they think of us, we should treat all of them with love and respect.  After Jesus dropped the bombshell to love our enemies He went on to explain, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:46-48).  If we hope to follow the example of our Lord, we need to treat people the way they should be treated no matter how they treat us.  I don’t think He is demanding that we pal around with people who are mean to us as much as He is telling us that we should practice kindness and respect to everyone. 

Let’s be aware of our influence among people, but let’s focus on doing what we should be doing no matter who we are doing it for.  When we do what we are supposed to be doing, we’ll look more like our Heavenly Father who cared enough about all of us to forgive and save us.

Think About It!

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