I’ve always been fond of saying I don’t care what people think of me. Being the type of personality I am, one that indeed makes me seem different from my peers, an outcast, or a square peg, this type of thinking has always served me well. In adolescence it was a difficult mindset to attain, but as I’ve gotten older it has become easier. So imagine my surprise today when I admitted to myself that I really do care what people think!
Let me clarify. I don’t care if people think I’m a snazzy, fashionable dresser. In fact, I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I’m “low maintenance” and that my pants are always too baggy. I usually shop for clothes at Walmart and have boots from Payless with the seams starting to unravel. I’m quite the bargain hunter, and won’t hide that I’ve gotten cool stuff from thrift stores, yard sales, and Goodwill.
It doesn’t matter to me if you approve of my parenting tactics. That’s between my husband and me. I will spank them in public, spoil them, and sometimes give them candy before dinner. I’m going to homeschool and teach abstinence. It does not matter to me if you think that makes my kids uncool.
But, wait, I said I cared about what people thought, right? Well, I do. I care about what they see when they see me. I’m not talking about seeing a frazzled woman in need of a root touch-up, with boogers on her blouse (yes, I said blouse), and shoes out of season (whatever that means). That’s fine. But when they see me do they really see me? Do they see what makes up my DNA? Do they see Him? Do they see the light of Jesus Christ?
That is what I pray radiates from every fiber of me. I pray that when you see me that you see Jesus. I care that you see that. And if you don’t, then maybe I need to look at a few things. Maybe I need to make some changes if you see something other than a humble servant of Christ.
Whether you are ready to admit it or not, when you accept a relationship with The Lord you also accept a hefty responsibility. You accept the responsibility of carrying yourself in a manner that reflects well on your new family name. As a child of God you are held to a higher standard. God transforms your character. He heals you of your past, wipes away your sinful nature, and makes you a new creation. It’s only appropriate to act like a new creation.
If I see you post a scripture on your Facebook and I’m surprised because all I’ve seen since accepting your friend request is where you “liked” pornographic images, then perhaps you might want to rethink how you appear to others. Perhaps it’s time to worry about what they think.
If I’m a new Christian and decide to go on a trip with the women from the church, but then sit in stunned silence in the hotel room while a group of you gossip, berate, and make fun of another woman in the church; then I might wonder, “Is this what being a Christian is about?! I thought it was all about love! What do they say about me when I walk away?” (FYI. This is a true story.)
If a fella says things like “I’m praying for y’all” or keeps inviting you to church, but never pays back the money he borrowed from you; what kind of witness is that?
I’ll admit it. I’ll be honest. I wasn’t always the best representation of a child of the King. My life did not exemplify Christ. And it breaks my heart when I think of it. What if something I did distanced someone from the kingdom because I called myself a Christian, but didn’t behave like one?
The above statement is meant to show that I’ve failed in the past. I still do. I am far from perfect. As much as I may want to be perfect, I’m not. Only one person has ever been perfect and that is the Son of God, crucified for our transgressions. Not perfect, so therefore, I’m not judging you at all. Judgement is that trap we Christians fall into all too often. We got to stop that too! Only someone who has achieved perfection has the right to judge. Yet, He did not.
Philippians 4:8 ESV
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.
2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
If you don’t strive for your life to mirror these verses, if your life doesn’t exemplify these things, then you are wrong. And you need to work on it.
You might need to start worrying about what people think, because it’s important what they see when they see you.
You never know when someone may be struggling with the decision of whether to dedicate their life to Jesus or not. You never know if their decision may be influenced by watching your life.
You never know when your life may be the only character of Christ someone has ever known.
You never know when your actions of love, generosity, and kindness may save someone’s life.
Maybe we all need to start caring a little bit more about what people think.
That is all 🙂
kristen says
I love this. I love your boldness to speak the truth like it is no matter how it may offend others. You are right on and we all need to see ourselves in that light. Thank you.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you for your comment and for reading. I really appreciate it.
kristen says
Just wanted to say, you are right on. Thank you for speaking the truth no matter how others may view it. Thank you for having the boldness to say those things we all need to hear but no one likes to say. Lord help me to shine His light in everything I do. Thanks.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
We should all strive to be a light to others. Thank you.