Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
26 February, 1997 - Singapore
Good Morning!
ON MAINTAINING AN "I M A G E"
For the past year I have been personally meeting one-on-one with
a man who has a reputation in the Christian community as a "SUCCESSFUL
CHRISTIAN BUSINESSMAN."
I can remember on many occasions leaving our times together feeling
God was wonderfully changing our lives, only to learn recently
from outside sources that his marriage is in crisis, and his business
practices are notoriously unethical and exploitative of others.
I have also become aware that sincere Christian friends have attempted
to approach him over these issues only to be rebuffed by acrimonious,
self-justification.
Yet in certain Christian circles this "SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN
BUSINESSMAN" is known to be generous with his time and
resources for the cause of Christ.
What is going on here? Why the contradictions?
The issue is "IMAGE": Here is a man who desperately
wants to be viewed around town as a "SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN
BUSINESSMAN". Therefore:
MAINTAINING A CERTAIN PUBLIC IMAGE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN
ANY SERIOUS QUEST FOR HOLINESS.
BY HIS ACTIONS, IT HAS BECOME OBVIOUS THAT HE LOVES THE
"PRAISE OF MAN MORE THAN THE PRAISE OF GOD."
(John 12:43)
In retrospect, what was lacking in our times together was:
- BROKENNESS over sin: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart..." (Psalm 51:17)
- TRANSPARENCY over failings: "...Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed..." (James 5:16a)
- The SURRENDER of the mind and will to the Lordship of Christ and His word: "...We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ...Listen to the word, and...do what it says." (II Cor. 10:5; James 1:22)
The fact is that God despises our efforts to impress others
in order to garner their approval, since
"that which is highly valued among men is detestable in God's
sight." (Luke
16:15b)
SO, WHAT MOTIVATES YOU:
THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS OR MAINTAINING YOUR PUBLIC IMAGE?
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
Dwight Hill
- 1 Coleman Street #02-34
The Adelphi - Singapore 0617 .
- Phone: 337 6498; Fax: 336 9913
(c) Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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