An Instrument of Peace

Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. ~ Galatians 1:21-24 (NIV)

After several failures to find others, a fourth turned up. He came through an acquaintance who had heard the good news. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 158)

Our reputation precedes us,
follows us,
defines us among people we’ll never meet.
What do they say of us?
Does it matter?
“What you think of me
is none of my business.”
But is it really true?
Does it matter what people say?
What if they say it about me
as a member of the fellowship?
What if my behavior
is the only view some people have
of the rooms?
Do they stay away,
not wanting what we have?
Do they praise God
because of me?

God, let me be an instrument
of your peace.