“A Tainted Perspective”

1 Thessalonians 5:22-28

Tainted is defined as a trace of something bad, offensive, or harmful; corrupted; dirty; impure. Perspective is defined as view; outlook; mindset.

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth. Favor is better than silver and gold. Because Jesus is honest, kind, loyal, and honorable, we should strive to be those things as well and all of those qualities contribute to a good reputation. When Paul and Silas passed through Lystra on Paul’s second missionary journey, they found a disciple named Timothy. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him on his journeys and aid the ministry. Timothy left home and followed Paul, and thus began a lifelong friendship. Factoring into Paul’s decision to select Timothy for ministry work, “The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy.” In other words, Timothy had a good reputation. There are times when our reputations are tarnished through no fault of our own. Gossip, slander, and lies can cast a shadow over the most stellar of reputations. In those times, we can follow the example of Jesus. Philippians 2:7 says that Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” The Son of God knew that, when He left the throne room of heaven to come to earth as a man, His exalted reputation would not follow Him. His rights to be worshiped, adored, and praised had to be set aside in order to accomplish God’s higher goal. So He left His reputation behind and entered a world where He would be misunderstood, mocked, and lied about. The Son was willing to entrust His reputation to His Father, and, whenever we are wrongly accused, we can do the same. 

I come by this morning to let you know that we must avoid being stained by the world. And, although there are times when our reputations are tainted due to the dishonesty of others, God wants us to live in such a way that those who know us won’t believe the slander. In 1 Peter 2:15 it says, “For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance and irresponsible criticisms of foolish people.” Be bless and I love you!!! JE