Finding Favor

"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation." Proverbs 3:3-4

Without reminders, my life would be in chaos. I have them everywhere. Post-it notes strategically placed. Phone reminders going off continuously. Requests to my spouse and coworkers that begin with, "Help! Don't let me forget!" I will still resort to writing on the back of my hand in order to keep me from forgetting. Perhaps, you are a part of the "Reminders Needed" club as well. All indications are that there are a whole bunch of us.   

Our verses for today lay out at least two relational skills we do not want to forget. Make a necklace if you have to, just don't forget. Loyalty. Kindness. Make them so much a part of who you are that you cannot be separated from them. Stand by those whom you know. Be friendly to those whom you do not. The reward for engaging in these relational skills is staggering -- finding favor with God and people. 

Reputations are not bestowed upon us, they are earned. God desires for us to live in the high and rare air of a sterling reputation. Through Jesus' demonstration of love on the cross and the enabling presence of the Holy Spirit once we place our trust in Jesus, we are positioned to build just such a reputation. However, we are left with one significant responsibility -- remember.

Grace and Peace,


Tom

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