What Do They Think Of Me?

What Do They Think of Me?

We often spend time “spinning” information in order to have people see us in a certain light. Politicians, parents, friends, and family often spin information to elicit the desired impression.

Yet, those who live their lives the way they were meant to be lived will have certain characteristics that will be on display without spin. There is a tremendous freedom in not feeling the need to “spin” or guard your words in order to give a particular impression that, in reality, is a lie anyway.

The Scriptures tell us that those who “get it” live in a way where others have a certain impression of them. What impression would that be?

1. This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  (1 Corinthians 4:1 ESVST)

The word “servants” in this verse is actually the term “under rowers.” The under rower was one who was normally on the third or bottom level of the ship, was chained to their seat, and was required to row the ship in sync with the other slaves. If they failed to do their job, they were dead because they were chained and would certainly go down with the ship.

There was no glory in being an under rower. No child aspired to be an under rower. Yet, Paul said that if someone should regard us, they should regard us as one.

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Spirit, knew what he was talking about. We were made to serve, to follow orders, to be a part of a greater force, a movement that was being led by another. If we honestly “get it,” we see that this is what we were made to do.

Often we rework the idea of slavery to be some type of comfortable, glamorous idea. It is not.

This life, on this earth, is a war, not a vacation.

Those who focus on reality, who understand the war, the commander, and their role in the war and respond accordingly, will not be disappointed.

2. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness (appropriateness) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

(Philippians 4:4-9 ESVST)

It is our reasonableness or appropriateness that should be known to everyone. We are not to be known for our extremism, our sloth, or even our radicalness. Different translations translate this word differently. It is also translated “forbearance,”^[1] “moderation,”^[2] and as “gentleness,” and “sweet reasonableness.”^[3]

What is “reasonableness” in light of being a child of the King? What would be reasonable behavior for one who knows his/her purposes and lives accordingly? What is reasonable for one who knows that God is older than him/her, smarter than him/her, and loves him/her? What is reasonable behavior for one who is convinced that his/her value in life comes from God and is for God?

We are not of this earth, yet we live here now. Those who live as if we are from this place are not reasonable. We are of our Father in Heaven, and that is our true home, yet we have not been there yet.

It is reasonable to live as soldiers now, for we are in a war zone and look forward to resting at home after the war.

It is unreasonable to rest now and look forward to rest.

According to the dictionary, being reasonable is defined as the following: having sound judgment; being fair and sensible or as much as is appropriate or fair; moderate.^[4]

In a land of no absolutes, appropriateness is impossible. So, for many, the idea of being appropriate is a relative term that is actually rather meaningless.

Therefore, their lives are rather meaningless as well.

Those who know God should be known for being those who listen to Him and live their lives in the context of what is appropriate for a child of the King.

This same word,(reasonableness) in the original language is also used in the book of

1 Timothy,^[5] Titus,^[6] James^[7] and 1 Peter.^[8] The word in the ESV is translated gentle and gives the connotation of one who has his/her emotions, responses, and reactions under obvious control.

3. In the book of 1 Timothy, the idea of what is reasonable or good is explored a bit more in the description of the widow who qualifies for care from the church. Paul tells Timothy this: “Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.”^[9]

It can be noted that there should be a “reputation” or observable lifestyle that has been proven over the years, and has demonstrated a faithfulness in marriage and with the mothering of her children, as well as the care and concern for the needs of others.

If one has a reputation for something, it is not because they just began to live in that manner, but because they have lived in that manner. The time to choose to live appropriate lives is today. The best way to affect tomorrow in a positive way is by living today appropriately.

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^[1] rv; kjv,

^[2] rv

^[3] ( Vine's)

^[4] https://www.google.com/search?q=rejoice+in+the+lord&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#safe=active&q=reasonable.

^[5] The saying is trustworthy:If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober- minded, self- controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,

(1 Timothy 3:1-4 ESVST)

^[6] Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

(Titus 3:1-2 ESVST)

^[7] But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

(James 3:17 ESVST)

^[8] Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.

(1 Peter 2:18 ESVST)

^[9] (1 Timothy 5:9-10 ESVST)