Mar. 21, 2021

Mahatma Gandhi:  “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

Carey Nieuwhof:  “Maybe Christians don’t have an image problem.  Maybe we have an integrity problem.”

Our Reputation – What the World Sees

1.  We are quick to judge.

2. We are hypocritical.

3. We Stink at friendship.

How do we change our Reputation?

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.  Titus 3

1. Abandon Fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:7 

2. Be Humble

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.  I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  Romans 7:18

3. Lead with Love and Grace

God’s people should be bighearted and courteous.  Titus 3:2 The Message