OUR REPUTATION IS IMPORTANT!
BY IRMA F. MATRAI

When little Johny throws a temper tantrum in the supermarket, we not only judge him, but his parents as well. Or, when a couple of foreigners behave in an strange manner in our country; we form an opinion about their whole nation also. Likewise, when a politician misleads us; we distrust all politicians. Moreover, when God's children live in sin, (for sad to say, but it happens sometimes), people form an unfavorable opinion about all Christians, and turn away from their Savior as well. And this is exactly why our reputation - as God's children - is so very important!

In other words, it is imperative for us to avoid all sin so that we may not cause disappointments for the outside observers. Else, God's reputation, who "so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16); may suffer for it. People may turn away from him due to our irrisponsible lifestyle. The question then arises: How many people did I, or did you scare away from following Jesus already?
But we don't have to disappoint people. We can live a victorious lif; if we want to! Although we will never be perfect on earth; but we can glorify the Lord with a gradually more and more sanctified, clean life.

How?

1. By totally yielding our body to God and renewing our mind. In Romans 12:1-2 we read:
...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For, when we totally yield our body to God, his Spirit - who is representing Jesus in our life - will take over the rule and will use its members for only blessed things. Moreover, if - through regular Bible study - we continuously renew our mind; we will be able to discern what is sinful and what is not; and make the correct decisions.

2. By avoiding temptation and sin. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 we read:
Flee fornication.... What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body...
What does it mean to avoid temptation or sin? It means to shun all tempting places, things, persons, and thoughts; that they may lead us to sin.

3. Also, by not just avoiding temptation or sin but, in case such hits us anyway; resisting them.
"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Recommends James 4:7/b.
Our Lord Jesus resisted the Devil by quoting Scripture. This we can do also. For that reason, it is important to memorize as many Bible passages, as possible. Then, we will be able to quote the appropriate verse; when needed.

4. Furthermore, by being sober and vigilant.
"Be ye sober, be vigilant, becasue your adversary, the devil, like a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour..." – says 1 Peter 5:8.
What does it mean to be sober? Besides not being drunk – according to Webster’s Dictionary – it also means to be "temperate, not extreme, solemn, serious, characterized by reason, sanity, or self-control." Any person, who leads such a life will be able to make the right decisions when tempted. Then, if such a person is vigilant also, then he will be able to sense Satan’s tricks and prevent its stings.

5. According to Jesus, praying is also one of our preventative tools. That is why he recommended to always pray:

"Lead us not into temptation..." (Matthew 6:13a)

6. Looking at Jesus as our best example may help us too. In Hebrews 12:2-3 we read:
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not resisted unto blood, stirivng against sin. In other words, following the example of Jesus, or continuously remembering how much pain and how many temptation he had to face, yet didn't give in; may help us also. For, he resisted Satan's temptations even if it cost him to sweat blood. Let us do the same.

When little Johny throws a temper tantrum in the supermarket, we not only judge him, but his parents as well. Similarly, when God's children live in sin, they cause others to judge their Savior too, even scaring them away from following their Lord.. Therefore, by totally yielding our body to God; constantly renewing our mind with his Word; avoiding all tempting places, things, people and thoughts; resisting Satan; leading a sober and vigilant life; staying constantly in touch with God through prayer; and by following Jesus' example; let us steadfastly defend ourselves agains sin.

Then, we will have a good reputation and may be able to lead others to Jesus through our words and deeds. Our reputation is important!

JESUS IS MY LIFE
(song)

Jesus is my life, strength, peace.
Jesus is my companion, my joy.
I trust in You. You are the Lord.
I do not have any fears any more because You live in me.
I do not have any fears any more because You live in me.

Jesus lives! Halleluja! Maranatha!

Translated by Eva Varga

MIÉRT FONTOS A HÍRNEVÜNK?

Soften my heart

Words and music Graham Kendrick

Soften my heart, Lord soften my heart;
from all indifference set me apart
to feel your compassion, to weep with your tears
come soften my heart, O Lord, soften my heart.



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