^“ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,  who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8

Woe betide the person that truly follows his Lord even to the point of no reputation!  Or so I had thought.  Over the last few years I have become a spectator to the total destruction of my own reputation.  While I did recognize that this was at the Lord Jesus’ initiation and that He was slowly leading me in a crucifixion of my flesh, it was still an excruciating experience to say the least.  I did try to hold on to my extremely important reputation as best I could, but it just didn’t work.  Following Jesus will do that to you.

Last night it was revealed to me that I have now officially become of no reputation.

To the world I am an intense, religious, street-preaching nutter.

To the churches that I have left (in obedience to His leading) I am a rebellious infidel.

And to most Christians I am an over-zealous, inexplicable, street-preaching freak.

LOL

Literally.  When I realised this last night I laughed and laughed.

And then I cried a bit.

But then I laughed again.

Because suddenly I saw it – I WAS FREE!!

If I am already considered a crazy, too-spiritual, infidel, nutter then – I might as well keep going!

And I will.

I have nothing to lose.

Hooray!

I can wholeheartedly recommend the hilarious and humble link Pineapple Story, by Otto Koning, if you want to hear more about surrendering your reputation and other rights to Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYM-4mGYzzE