Date: Tuesday, 23rd April, 2024
Text: Luke 12:2-5
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
Your reputation is who people think you are based on the impression you have created about yourself in the public. It is built over time.
However, your character is who you are when nobody is watching. It is your true person. Your conduct in secret is your true nature.
If your character and reputation are not the same, then it means you put forth an appearance in public but in private you are someone else. That is the exact definition of hypocrisy.
In contrast, if your character and reputation matches, you can be referred to as a man of integrity.
Our Lord Jesus Christ condemned hypocrisy in the strongest terms. In the 23rd Chapter of the Book of Matthew, the Pharisees were sharply rebuked because they did not practice what they preached; rather, they were only out to do things for public approval.
Trying to always please men is like playing to the gallery. God is the judge, promotion comes from Him. The door he opens no man can shut; and the door he shuts no man can open. He sees what you do in secret; he knows your innermost thoughts.
There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. The Lord himself said, “Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:2-5
Action Nugget: Focus more on building your character and your reputation will take care of itself.