I remember when someone on our church ministry team responded with disbelief upon discovering that my husband and I have disagreements. But I didn’t back away from sharing that we—like any family—had to work through conflict to relate better. Being spiritually mature doesn’t mean we’re exempt from challenges or failure. And it also means being honest, not trying to hide behind a squeaky clean façade.

The seduction of image is a temptation we all face. With the opinions of others as a tangible and ready means of feedback, we can easily lose sight of the real call to discipleship (Luke 9:23-24) and choose to focus on how others see us. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus instructed us, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” We might couch the crafting of our reputation under any number of guises, but this truth remains: a desire to protect our reputation is nothing more than a fear of other people (John 12:42-43).

Disappointed with Peter’s response to the Gentile believers (Galatians 2:11-16), Paul was unafraid to engage a brother in a hard conversation. Earlier in his life, Paul had focused on credentials in an attempt to prove himself worthy (Philippians 3:3-7). But now, refusing to curry favor with others, he reminded Peter and all who read his letter that caving in to people’s desires was not the answer (Galatians 2:20-21).

Being authentic in the church means holding Christ’s reputation above our own. Only then will we be the city set on a hill—the hope of Jesus shining in a world shrouded in the deception of appearances and manmade measures (Matthew 5:14-16).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 9:8–10:29