We motivators speakers encourage us not to worry about what people think of us. But what does the Bible say about this? Should we really ignore what others think of us?
When it comes to the advancement of our careers, or even in our ministry, it is good to focus on what God says about us. The negative words of people around us can demotivate us and cause us to retreat. On many occasions in the Bible, heroes have had to ignore what the people around them thought about to be able to accomplish God’s work. Take Noah for instance! It’s a good thing that he did not listen to what people thought about his project, or what they even thought about his mental state! “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV) Sometimes it is necessary to ignore the opinion of others.
But that’s not always the case. Some Christians adopt practices that do not suit God’s children and justify themselves by saying: “I do not care what people think of me. God sees my heart, and that’s all that matters!” It is true that God sees our heart, and that He is the one who will ultimately judge our conduct, but we must nevertheless pay attention to the image that we portray. What people think of us can be important to consider; we must look after our reputation. “A good reputation is better than much wealth; high esteem is better than silver and gold.” (Prov. 22:1 CEB)
A Christian should not behave the same as an unbeliever. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We must demonstrate the behavior and language worthy of the God we serve. A single Christian should not behave like a single that is a non-believer. Our conduct while dating should be different from that of non-believers. We have a responsibility to the unsaved to demonstrate good conduct and follow what God says. “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:11-12 NKJV)
What do non-believers think about your conduct? That it is a madness to deprive yourself of the pleasures of the world? Very good; do not listen to them and continue! That you are in no way different from them? Very bad, change your behavior or your language now!
Let us move on to a higher level. If you want to marry a Christian that is employed by the Lord, you will have to work even harder to have a good reputation. If you have an important role to play in your community, you must be spotless. “A bishop then must be blameless…” (1 Tim 3.2-7 NKJV) In short, what other Christians think of you must be taken into consideration. Some Christians are still carnal and will say stupid things about you. If these remarks are false, though they can hurt, they will eventually fade away with time. But if your carnal behavior gives you a bad reputation, you must change. If you need repentance, do it!
In short, what do your brothers and sisters in the church think of you? That you are too passionate in your service and love for Christ? Very good; do not listen to them and continue! That you are carnal and that your conduct is no different that the world? Very bad, change your behavior or your language now!
Look after your reputation! “A good reputation is better than expensive perfume…” (Eccl.7.1a GNT)