"Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26)Well, now, hang on a second! Isn't that the goal of many in Christendom? Aren't we trying to make sure people don't speak badly of us? Isn't it the primary problem that people speak badly of some Christians (like the outspoken ones who quote Scripture and tell the world that their favorite sin du jour is a sin)? Wouldn't the Christians and the church be better off if all people spoke well of us?
Apparently not.
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Now, how does that stack up against being blameless? Shouldn't the world be able to only day good things about us by our actions?
You're right! We've found our first genuine contradiction!!
No, wait ... How would you understand it?
We are commanded "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Rom 12:18) That's not the same as working to be sure they speak well of you. Jesus said we were to "let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matt 5:16) So that would be glorifying the Father, not speaking well of us. We're supposed to be "above reproach", but you know that doesn't mean they will speak well of you (taking Jesus as our example). But mostly I believe it speaks to intent. Are you aiming to be well thought of, or to follow Christ? Do you love the world or love Christ? Is your aim to be liked or Christ-like?
At least, that's how I would understand it.
Works for me. I wasn't understanding a contradiction, but I'm sure there are those out there that would.
No, of course you weren't. But for those who might, I wanted to make the point. Glad it works for you.
Of course, when you look at "what the world speaks well of", it becomes abundantly clear that Christians are to avoid that. Bruce Jenner's insanity is regarded as "heroic" and "brave". "I Did It My Way" is the theme song. A guy who says, "Those who risk their lives for this country are fools" is protected, but the guy who stands up for this country is suspended. Standing for the truth when the truth is in opposition to political correctness will not land you in the "speak well of you" crowd. So we expect to "suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will" rather than "for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:17) Because following Christ will leave you blameless ... but not well spoken of.
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