Do Better
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:13-16
Who do people say you are? Most of us would say that it isn't important what others think of us. I used to think that way. "As long as God knows, it don't matter what anyone else thinks of me". "I know who I am in God, who cares what you think of me?" Yea, I would say those things. Especially when I wasn't in His will. It becomes a defense mechanism so we can't be 'judged' by others. As long as we know that God 'knows our heart' we don't give any thought to what goes on in the minds of others who we come in contact with each and every day. They're view of us is obsolete. Is this how we should live? Not caring what kind of image we leave in the minds of God's people? Doing what we want to do and when we're called on it, "don't judge me, only God can judge me" becomes our mantra?
I have to take this time to give the Lord some thanks for growing me in Him. I am at a place in my life where I don't allow what others think of me dictate who I am, but I have the wisdom to know that I should live my life in front of others in such a way that doesn't bring questions or judgment. We all fall short from time to time, but sometimes we trip ourselves and then rely on the Grace of God to pick us up, not realizing who we may have hurt in the process. Yes, we bring harm to others when we don't give thought to what they see when they look at us.
I have a bit of a road rage problem, and I am working on it. Anyway, I realize that the very person I snap out on just may be the one sitting in the sanctuary as I deliver a word to God's people. What does that person think? They probably don't hear anything coming out of my mouth, all because I let a little traffic tantrum get in the way of what God wants to do.
In the end it matters more what God is saying about us. And if making sure His view of us is pleasing, we should approach every situation with the thought that He is watching; because He is.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Do better, and thanks for reading.
TC!