Daily Reflections on 1 Thes. 1:4-10 (Reputation)

I've played it. You've played it. Everyone's played it. Kids especially like to play it. Some people make thousands or maybe millions doing it. Mimicking. Sometimes it's done as a taunt. Sometimes it's done in jest. Sometimes it's done in anger or manipulation or to hurt. Sometimes it's done to make others laugh or to entertain.

Mimicking has long been a practice in business, sports, family heritage. Copy right laws were enacted to restrict various forms of mimicry. Parents want their children to follow in their family footsteps. Developing athletes often chose a professional athlete to mimic. Young basketball players all over the globe have worn 23 on their jersey and stuck out their tongue going to the hoop. Aspiring graduates often choose business magnates or other heroes after which to pattern their careers. Most of us have someone we look to as a model or inspiration.

When I was a kid living in Cincinnati, my dad often urged me to mimic Pete Rose's "Charlie Hustle" style and mentality. Running out every hit. Running to first base on a walk. Sliding head first into second base. Going hard after every ball. Hustle, Hustle, Hustle. 110% kind of thing. Determined. Gritty. Throw caution to the wind and go for it. I did and probably still do pursue things in life with that mentality. What I lacked in talent, I made up for in hustle. I confess, Rose's gambling and imprisonment for income tax evasion broke my heart.

Reputation is significant. Now instead of being known as the all-time hit leader, Charlie Hustle, Rose is known for impropriety and being banned from baseball. His on field achievements have been erased by his off field behavior. No one wants to be Charlie Hustle anymore.

Looking at Paul's description of the Thessalonian church in this opening chapter sounds like something I want said about my church. These people were eager to learn and follow after Jesus. Their transformed lives were contagious. and they openly and joyously shared with others the Good News of the Gospel. They appeared to be passionate about their relationship with God through Christ. They whole heartedly switched their allegiance from worldly worship to serving God, anticipating Christ's return and ultimate redemption. What a model to mimic.

God, I want to be infectious, contagious like Paul and like this church. I want my church to be like this. I want people to talk about us, not for the cool stuff we do, but for the transformation to us through Your Spirit. I want people to be drawn to through us.