There is in our hearts a desire to please, to be seen in a good light, to be esteemed. I don’t think we can escape this, nor does it seem evil in itself. This is a large part of the glue of social systems: it is why we learn all the little cultural cues and values–so we can fit in, so others will not look down at us and so we will not be seen as odd. Reputation matters to people. In the world, peer pressure itself is neutral, bringing good or bad results to a society.

Jesus also had a heart with a desire to please. The object of His desire was different: “I do always those things that please [my Father]” -Jn 8:29. But regarding men,  Jesus made Himself “of no reputation,” refused to defend Himself, suffered as an evildoer in the opinion of the world, and now we are graciously invited to “go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”

So, as believers being conformed to the image of Christ, this innate desire to please and to be accepted must turn from the whims of men to seeking the approval of God alone. We are freed to turn off our image management radar and become less concerned with how we look to others and what is being said about us. This allows us to break the rules that need to be broken (see John 5:16-18), to turn from the traditions that make God’s word of no effect (see Matt 15:2-9), and to turn from serving idols to serve the living and true God (see I Thess 1:6-10). No longer burdened by our reputation, we can do so much more in secret (prayer, good works, kindnesses) without worrying how best to position ourselves and make these things widely known.  God sees, and that is all we desire.

But the old way still beats in our hearts, and we can easily begin posturing and puffing ourselves up to build our own resume and reputation, once again measuring what we do by how we will be seen of others. This empty, prideful boasting is a great danger to God working through and among us. Consider how God reinforces this among the saints in the early church.

Here is the good that became the stumbling block of those who sought men’s approval:

Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. -Acts 4:34-35

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. – Acts 8:14-17

We know how Annanias and Sapphira claimed that just as others had done, they gave all of the money from the sale of property they held. Why? They wanted the reputation. Can’t you almost see them looking around, expecting to be congratulated for their fine display of loving God and the brethren? Sure, there was also an element of greed, but their sin of covetousness, Peter said, was not the issue at all.

And we know how Simon wanted to have the power displayed by the apostles. He was willing to purchase it, because his whole life had been built around amazing people as a magician, having special powers that induced awe. Can’t you imagine the conversation in his heart? “Oh, I want this power so that others will also hold me so highly.” Peter’s rebuke was sharp, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.” -Acts 8:22-23.

I am capable of being company with Ananias, Sapphira, and Simon the Sorcerer. What will keep me from this? Here is where Paul says, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.”

I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; . . . I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus . . . For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (see Phil 3:8-21)

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 11th, 2010 at 4:03 pm by Art and is filed under Culture, Saints. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.