HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 290
page A288
Reputation continued
Should Christians be concerned about their reputation?
• 2 C O R I NT H I A NS 8 :2 0 | We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way
we are handling this generous gift. (See note on Character on page 1053.)
We must take care to build a reputation of integrity so the ministry of the gospel is not hindered.
• MAT T H E W 6 :1 | “Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired . . .”
Jesus warns us not to pursue spirituality in order to impress others.
• 2 P E T E R 1 :5 -7 | Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence . . .
Any reputation we strive to achieve should result from being fully committed to building
spiritual character in our lives.
How can a bad reputation be changed?
• 1 P E T E R 2 :1 2 | They will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God.
The surest way to influence the way others think of you is by your good behavior.
• DE U T E R O NO MY 4 :6 | “Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and
intelligence among the surrounding nations.”
Obedience to God brings a reputation for wisdom and intelligence.
• MA R K 2 :1 6 | They asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?” (See note on
page 897.)
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Jesus doesn’t accept us because of our reputation but because his love can transform
sinners.
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• 3 J O H N 1 :3 | Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy
by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth.
May we earn the reputation of living according to the standards of the gospel for purity
and truth.
Rest See also Celebration; Peace; Priorities; Work
God made us flesh-and-blood human beings. He set aside one full day of rest out of
seven days at creation because he knew we would need it. Because Jesus was also
fully human and lived in a human body, he understands what it means to be tired himself. He also understood the limitations of his disciples and took them away for regular
breaks. Life is full and busy, and it must be balanced by regular attention to the health
of our body and soul. Being overly tired is dangerous because it can keep us from thinking clearly and cause us to do or say things we’ll regret. But when it’s impossible to get
enough rest, our weariness is an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness. From his
own example in Genesis to the promises of the New Testament, it is clear that God wants
us to discover rest and refreshment for our body and soul.
Who can afford to take time to rest with so much to do?
• G E NE S I S 2 :2 | On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from
all his work. (See note on page 5.)
Why would the omnipotent God of the universe rest following his work of creation? Surely,
it wasn’t because the Almighty was physically tired! The answer is that God, in ceasing
from his work, called his rest “holy.” God knew that you would need to cease from your
work to care for your physical and spiritual needs. Work is good, but it must be balanced
by regular rest and attention to the health of your body and soul. Otherwise, you miss the
divine moments God sends your way. Make sure to carve out regular times for worship and
spiritual refreshment. If God saw rest from work as holy, how can we afford not to rest?
• E X O DU S 2 3 :1 2 | “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh
day you must stop working. This gives your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It also
allows your slaves and the foreigners living among you to be refreshed.”
Regular, consistent, weekly rest is an important part of avoiding and recovering from burnout.