CHARACTER
OR REPUTATION?
READ:
Revelation
3:1-6
You
have a name that you
are
alive, but you are dead.
-Revelation
3:1
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden (1910-2010)
believed that character is far more important than reputation. “Your
reputation is what you’re perceived to be by others,” Coach Wooden often
told his players, “but your character is
what you really are. You’re the only one
that knows your character. You can fool
others, but you can’t fool yourself.”
In the book of Revelation, we find the
words of the risen Christ to seven churches in Asia. To the church in Sardis, Jesus said, “I know your works, that you have a name
[reputation] that you are alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 32:1). The
Lord knew the truth about them, and no doubt deep down they knew it too. Jesus told them to wake up and strengthen the
spiritual life inside them that was about to die (v.2). He urged them to remember the truth
they had received, obey it, then turn around and start moving in a new
direction (v.3).
When the Lord shows us what’s wrong in
our lives, He always provides a remedy for change. When we turn from our sins, He forgives and
strengthens us to start over.
How liberating to exchange a false
spiritual reputation for the true, life-giving character that comes from
knowing Christ our Lord! –David McCasland
Men
talk too much of gold and fame,
And
not enough about a name;
And
yet a good name’s better far
Than
all earth’s glistening jewels are. –Guest
*************************************
The
true test of our character is what we do
when
no one is watching.
INSIGHT
Today’s
reading takes the spiritual temperature of the Christian church in Sardis. This city contained devotees of many pagan
gods and goddesses. This might have been
a contributing factor to the spiritual lethargy in some of the members of the church
(vv.1-3), yet a remnant had a vital spiritual walk (vv.4-5). A worldly environment does not need to
determine the way a believer lives.
Spiritual vitality is an individual choice of yielding to God’s
transforming work.
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator’s Love Always
Unity & Peace
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