Good Reputation
Here's my struggle...God has called me and the church to reach the "outsiders" mentioned in this verse. If my reputation is weak or such that outsiders criticize me or think less of me - not only am I widening the gap between them and me, but more tragic is that I am widening the gap between them and the church and them and Christ.
BUT...too often I find myself being criticized not by outsiders but by insiders - Christians. Criticized for my focus and intent on reaching outsiders and my never-ending challenge and plea to pray for and invite outsiders to the inside where they will hear about Christ. It seems I must choose who I will be criticized from. Christians who are inside or the unchurched who are on the outside.
Now, it is not really an either/or. There are many insiders who share my focus and join me in the vision. But I just get tired of Christians who seem to be so self-serving - wanting their life on this side of heaven to be more comfortable, be "fed", and not get dirty by engagement with the lost. Tough words, but the truth of this is seen in what they say, who they do and don't spend time with, their lack of effort in inviting outsiders in (even though their words say differently).
If I have to choose between being criticized by insiders or being criticized by outsiders - which do I choose? Criticism by insiders who are already going to heaven is not going to alter their eternal destination. Criticism and a bad reputation by outsiders carries a dangerously high degree of risk of turning them away from the church and away from Christ.
So...I might quickly conclude that if I have to choose, I will choose criticism by insiders. However, if I am being criticized by insiders - will not their criticism bleed over into the world of outsiders and thus lead to a poor/bad reputation by outsiders?
Lots to chew on...but I still tend to lean toward pursuing relationships with outsiders and a good reputation with them (of course without compromising the gospel) - even at the expense of criticism by insiders.
What do you think?
BUT...too often I find myself being criticized not by outsiders but by insiders - Christians. Criticized for my focus and intent on reaching outsiders and my never-ending challenge and plea to pray for and invite outsiders to the inside where they will hear about Christ. It seems I must choose who I will be criticized from. Christians who are inside or the unchurched who are on the outside.
Now, it is not really an either/or. There are many insiders who share my focus and join me in the vision. But I just get tired of Christians who seem to be so self-serving - wanting their life on this side of heaven to be more comfortable, be "fed", and not get dirty by engagement with the lost. Tough words, but the truth of this is seen in what they say, who they do and don't spend time with, their lack of effort in inviting outsiders in (even though their words say differently).
If I have to choose between being criticized by insiders or being criticized by outsiders - which do I choose? Criticism by insiders who are already going to heaven is not going to alter their eternal destination. Criticism and a bad reputation by outsiders carries a dangerously high degree of risk of turning them away from the church and away from Christ.
So...I might quickly conclude that if I have to choose, I will choose criticism by insiders. However, if I am being criticized by insiders - will not their criticism bleed over into the world of outsiders and thus lead to a poor/bad reputation by outsiders?
Lots to chew on...but I still tend to lean toward pursuing relationships with outsiders and a good reputation with them (of course without compromising the gospel) - even at the expense of criticism by insiders.
What do you think?
