Live So Others Think Well of God

Yesterday, my friend Ivan shared his experience as a devoted follower of Jesus living in Indonesia, where the law can sometimes be manipulated to serve the interests of certain individuals. He emphasized the importance of being extra diligent, forward-thinking, and willing to pay the price, even if it means losing a job or a project.

While I haven’t faced struggles on the same scale, I believe the temptation to choose between what is right and what is easy can occur in our everyday activities, even something as simple as grocery shopping.

Since my household consists of just two people, our weekly grocery needs usually fit into a single basket. However, there are times when I find myself in a lazy mode and opt for a shopping trolley instead. Ironically, I often end up paying significantly more when I choose the trolley over simply carrying the basket by hand.

I realized when carrying the basket, I stopped adding things because I can feel the weight — I know when it’s enough. The trolley offers convenience by taking the weight out of my hands, but only to make me regret it later at the cashier and when carrying everything home.

I guess this is why Jesus told us to carry our cross daily (Luke 9:23). So that we are not distracted with things that we don’t need. But what does it mean to carry our cross every day? It means to live so others think well of God (Matthew 5:16). Not just for God’s name to be glorified, but so that we become living testimonies, inviting others to seek Him, discover His transformative love, and experience the profound joy that comes from knowing Him.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. — 1 Corinthians 10:23-24