Don’t you just hate it when you open a container and the contents do not match the packaging? How about when you order something online and eagerly await its delivery, but what you receive is far less desirable than what you thought you ordered. Despite truth in advertising laws and agreed upon ethics, the differences between what we think we are getting and what we actually receive seem to be growing.
People can also deceive us by saying good words but acting entirely differently. Some people preach peace, but turn into raging lunatics when confronted with poor customer service or a dangerous driver on the highway. Politicians promise to protect our interests while doing all they can to promote themselves. Religious leaders can make a mockery of their ministry and their faith by engaging in less than spiritual activities.
We all wear labels. Some are not justified by our actions, but are generated by other people out of jealousy and envy. But some labels we earn by our conduct, good or bad. Proverbs 20:11 says, “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” So our conduct determines what labels we wear. Our label may list good qualities like kind, generous, helpful, loving, and honorable. But our label may use harsher words such as selfish, liar, rude, angry, and hurtful. Our words impact what our label says only in as much as they match our conduct.
Seek to have positive words describe who you are by following the One who is pure and upright in every way. Let Jesus change your label to read, “Beloved Child of God”!
Reluctant Retiree 