Five Ways To Compromise Your Reputation as a Christ Follower

1.) Complain. A lot. And post your complaints on social media sites as often as possible.  After all - the world really longs to know what you are against far more than what you're for.

2.) Gossip about other people.  Wait until they're not around and then talk about them as much as you can.  Whenever possible use phrases like, "Can you believe she....." and "I know it's bad for me to say this BUT...."

3.) Judge others for the way they look, think, dress, and act.  Judging others will make us feel better about our own faults and failures, so we must look for ways to dishonor them, especially in front of others.

4.) Argue with others as frequently as possible for the sake of being right. And pick fights among each other.  Be hostile and confrontational and rude.

5.) Seek revenge whenever possible. Focus on getting even and settling the score, withholding forgiveness whenever necessary.

I think about these things a lot.  And I think it's because I am so plugged in to social media sites.  And it really doesn't take long to see it.  It's all around us.  Every day.  And the sad part is - when I look in the mirror I have to ask myself the tough questions too.

"Am I like this?"  "Do I do these things?"

And the answer sadly is yes.  Yes I do.  I am guilty.  And in my guilt and recognition of sin, I cry out to God to help me.

Oh Father God, how I long to look more like Your Son.  Show me the ways in my own life that I compromise not only my reputation as a Christ follower, but Your reputation as a loving and merciful Savior.

Finding JOY in the JOurneY,