Proverbs 27:21 NKJV

[21] The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him.

My brother told me about an Amish/Mennonite saying that stuck with me. "If you want to know about my walk with the Lord, ask my neighbor."

What does your neighbor say about you? Do you exemplify the attributes of Christ in every facet of your life? Does your meandering conversations match your eternal mission?

In most places, my reputation proceeds me. I am notorious for saying what I am thinking without thinking about what I say. I don't filter through how it may be perceived. In my defense, I don't need the truth filtered, so I assume everyone else should be able to accept the same. Sometimes that is good. Sometimes it is not.

I have a long way yet to go in this sanctification process. I am not afraid to admit it, nor am I afraid to be called out when I miss the mark. I don't want to be remembered for being a fake or a phony. I want to be remembered for being relentlessly consistent and crazy enough to keep trying without ever giving up.

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.