I’m Not the Good Guy
Something about my personality makes me want to be one of the good guys. When I was a kid, I cheered for the Lone Ranger and He-Man. I liked the honor and respect they got from others, and I like it when people respect me. It used to be easy to win that respect by being polite, working hard, and doing the right thing. I’m finding those tricks don’t work as frequently as they used to.
For example, I dealt with a customer recently who refused to cooperate with my company. We were on-time, honest, and worked hard to make sure all her needs were met. Still, a confrontation resulted in her saying she no longer trusted us and is not happy with the service we provided. I don’t know what we could have done differently and still kept our integrity.
Very rarely does God say we will be commended by the world for doing right. Romans 13:3 and 1 Peter 2:13-14 come to mind, but those are more general cases, echoing Proverbs 14:35. The apostles would have been the first to tell you authorities don’t always approve of people doing what is right (see History: Persecution).
Chasing respect and honor from the world is a dangerous game, even if it’s earned rightfully. The world may commend your morals one day and condemn you the next. Consider an anecdote from my youth:
When I was in high school, I made a pledge to be chaste. My non-Christian friends responded, “I wish I could do that,” and “You’re a good guy.” A few years later I was mocked for that pledge. It offended my friends, and they said things like, “You’re messed up,” and “What’s wrong with you?”
I learned then that chasing respect is a windy road; chasing Jesus is the only straight, narrow path. The world might sometimes give me praise, but it will turn on me in a heartbeat. My friends and enemies might one day respect me for keeping my nose clean, but I am promised in 2 Tim 2:12, “All who desire to live a goldy life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Are you like me? Are you motivated by “atta-boys” from onlookers? Please proceed with caution down that road. I’d rather you walk with me down a different path, one that promises persecution, but also honor from God. On that path I’m not the good guy; Jesus is. I’m just along for the ride.
