How do you think people perceive you?
A couple of weeks back I was having a conversation with a couple of good friends on their front porch and the topic of politics came up. Something one of my friends said really struck a cord with me, she said something to the effect that yes she was political and had strong beliefs but that wasn't what she wanted to be known for. Because expressing those beliefs loudly could push away people that God wanted her to communicate with. I am paraphrasing but you get the idea. I have been reading many blogs (my own included), monitoring my own speech, and trying to check my own heart about this. I know that in my own life the desire to be correct, to be right, to set things straight, has resulted in my alienating others. This is something I deeply regret. How many people have been pushed away from God because I felt compelled to express my ideology on (insert political, religious, etc. topic here)?
I do have very strongly held beliefs about politics, religion, America, and such. But am I really forwarding the kingdom of God continually expressing these thoughts and beliefs, am I destroying ministry opportunities by alienating people with my politics. Am I throwing up barriers to community, ministry? Am I really doing God's will by arguing with others, Christian or otherwise? I have noticed that the most convincing speakers in terms of ethics, etc. are not the ones who are always talking, they are the ones who more often than not working quietly, doing God's will, quietly forwarding God's kingdom, and when they do speak, their words carry much more weight than those of us who are constantly bickering about what it is that "good Christians" do. A perfect example of this was Mother Theresa, her actions spoke so much louder than her words, so that when she did speak, people listened.
So I ask again, how do you think people perceive you?
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3 comments:
Interesting question. I think that people who know me personally may have different opinions about me than people who just know me from my blog.
I think people who know me think of me as passionate, idealistic, perhaps dogmatic and a little obnoxious, but (at my best) inspiring.
People who know me just from my blog would just think of me as dogmatic and a little obnoxious.
John, I only know you by your blog and I have to say that I don't find you a little obnoxious, I find you totally obnoxious!!! Just kidding... Acutally I love your heart for people, for missions and most of all for Christ.
As far as people not liking Christ because of your politics, thats crapola, people may use it as an excuse, the Jesus in us is sooooooo much bigger than the candidate we like or the music we like or the house we live in. Dude, be who God created you to be, even if it is concerned about the country you love.
You and John both rock!!!!!
Megan.
I think so too. But I love you anyway.
John
;-)
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