High performing actors, athletes, politicians, spiritual, business and military leaders all spend considerable effort building and burnishing their public images. After these talented people have achieved their pinnacle, their reputations usually begin to fade and are swiftly replaced by others with equal or superior ability.
Although I don't have enviable talents or a high profile image, I too often find myself carefully guarding parts of my reputation the world around me finds laudable. As I do so, this question haunts me: "Am I more protective about MY reputation or the one I've inherited from Jesus?"
He was persecuted, misunderstood and publicly shamed as he was subjected to a Roman military flagellation followed by crucifixion – perhaps the most cruel method of capital punishment ever devised by man. Before that, He promised His followers would experience tinges or even large portions of the indignity that washed over him.
Am I on board with that? Am I sold out to choosing Kingdom values in spite of the icky reputation I might acquire? Or have I gradually drifted into settling for a public image of worldly respectability on this side of the grave? Review this rousing lecture given by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church:
We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, we are dishonored! To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, brutally treated, and without a roof over our heads. We do hard work, toiling with our own hands. When we are verbally abused, we respond with a blessing, when persecuted, we endure, when people lie about us, we answer in a friendly manner. We are the world's dirt and scum, even now. I Corinthians 4:10-13 NET
Here's what John the Baptist said about Jesus after Jesus began baptizing more people than John was baptizing:
He must become more important while I become less important." John 3:30
It's tempting to adopt the slogan "Walking with Jesus with the heart of Jesus", secretly hoping the ensuing lifestyle will lead to prime opportunities, such as advancing a career, connecting with prestigious companions, enjoying luxuries, or gathering a myriad of social media followers. Shockingly, those options often close when we give priority to His Kingdom.
With many cultural voices (sometimes even from Christians) – singing messages such as, "cultivate your own interests, indulge yourself" – taking up His cross seems absurd. But building His Kingdom calls us to relinquish personal preferences, to identify with Him in his suffering as well as His eternal glory.
There is one caveat: we can't pump up our own courage to deny ourselves; only the leading and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit can move us in that direction. Listen to this song as a reminder that our public image belongs to Him.
by Kathleen Petersen
