Everyone would like other people to think well of them. The question is how to achieve it. Some people think the answer lies in external appearance. But following the latest fashions and dressing in the latest styles does not guarantee that anyone will respect or like you.
Some people think the way to obtain the regard of others is to accumulate wealth or power. But gaining wealth and power does not ensure that people will like or respect you either. It is more likely to cause jealousy and envy.
Still other people think the way to win favor is to become famous. But there are many famous or notorious people who are not liked or respected.
An even more important question than how to win the favor of other people is the question of how we can win God’s favor. Many try to obtain God’s favor by doing good deeds or by going on pilgrimages.
No doubt God wants us to do good deeds – but they do not compensate for the wrongs we have done. We are supposed to do good all the time. We can never do more than we ought. Jesus said, “…you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luke 17:10 NIV)
Perhaps the way to win God’s favor is by abusing our bodies and denying ourselves anything which will bring us enjoyment? The Apostle Paul writes, “Such regulations indeed have the appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” (Colossians 2:23 NIV)
How then can we obtain the favor of God and other people? The Bible says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV)
A different translation says, “Let not kindness and truth forsake thee:” (ASV)
What is the love or kindness this verse talks about? It is a decision of the will to do what is best for another person without asking anything in return. In other words, it is not selfish but has the best interests of the the other person in mind.
In same verse, the words faithfulness or truth carry the idea of fidelity. Such a person is not only honest, but will keep his word. He is reliable. You can count on him. He will do what he said he would do even if it means accepting personal loss in order to do it.
The Bible mentions two people who had these qualities. The first is the prophet Samuel. Samuel grew up under the supervision of Eli, the High Priest of Israel. There is a huge contrast between Eli’s sons and Samuel. “This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt. But Samuel was ministering before the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:17-18 NIV)
Samuel not only was faithful in his spiritual duties, he showed respect and love toward Eli. As result Scripture says, “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men.” (1 Samuel 2:26 NIV)
The other person of whom this is written is Jesus. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52 NIV) Can anyone doubt that Jesus demonstrated love and faithfulness? He loved so much that He was willing to die on our behalf – in spite of all the hateful things we have done. Jesus also showed His faithfulness in obedience to God, even though it cost Him much suffering.
Those of us who follow Christ are supposed to become like Him. He is to be our example. When people look at us do they see love and faithfulness?