HOW TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE GROWING (VI)

In 2013, I was on the bus returning from Uyo to Ibadan. A corp member sat by my side. We began to talk. Then she began to talk about an organisation called TOUCH. She said glowing things about the person who started it as she was told.

I asked for the name of the person who started it. She said, “I think it is one Pastor Temi”. I was sitting right beside her. She discovered a few hours into the journey that I was the one. We had a good laugh.

One of the qualities of a mature person is a godly report- people have great things to say about him or her. Before they chose the seven Deacons to serve in the early church, one of the prerequisites was to be men of good reputations.

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Acts 6:3 KJV

When Paul got to Lystra, he found Timothy and “he was well spoken of the brethren in Lystra and Iconium”.

As a matter of fact, Paul said that he takes the pain to do what is right in the sight of God and man:

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

2 Corinthians 8:21 NIV

Stop using “God sees my heart” to cover up your terrible reputation.

Hear the words of Samuel: “Look at me! Do you have any complaints to bring before God and his anointed? Have I ever stolen so much as an ox or a donkey? Have I ever taken advantage of you or exploited you? Have I ever taken a bribe or played fast and loose with the law? Bring your complaint and I’ll make it right.”

The people responded “Oh no, “never. You’ve never done any of that—never abused us, never lined your own pockets.”

1 Samuel 12:13-4 MSG

What is your testimony at home? Have I told you a story my Pastor shared about the Elder who beat his wife, locked her up at home and led “I see the Lord” on the pulpit? The pastor told him, “When you finish seeing the Lord, see me”.

What is your testimony at work- productive or lazy, approachable or touchy, upright or otherwise? What do your clients and customers have to say about you? What do your neighbours have to say about you? If your pastor visits and introduces himself, would they be shocked that you go to church?

One of the signs that you have grown is simple- people have great things to say about you. What is your testimony? What do people have to say about you? Those things count.