The past several weeks have been a challenging whirlwind of back to back displays of chaos. First we had obnoxiously hot and humid weather, far above our normal temperatures, followed by a toxic, long burning warehouse fire. Not to be outdone, Canada chimed in as volumes of unbreathable smoke settled in. Just as it looked like things might be clearing up we are told that tomorrow we are going to be hit with a derecho!
Out of all of these my least favorite by far, is dealing with the smoke. The forecast is constantly changing and a mere slight shift in wind direction can beckon the thick stuff back into our neighborhoods, drastically limiting our ability to do anything outdoors.
I’ve read some of the online posts featuring Americans complaining that Canada is not doing enough to keep the smoke out of our country. While we can argue poor forest management is likely fueling this beast, we certainly should understand there isn’t much they can do to contain the resulting smoke within their own borders.
Smoke by nature is tossed about and carried wherever the prevailing winds drive it. In some cases the smoke is traveling more than 1500 miles. The consequences of this fire are being felt by people who know little about it. Some might not even realize they are standing in the midst of smoke drifting all the way from Canada.
Our actions mimic some of the characteristics of smoke. While we are very much in control of our initial responses, the far reaching consequences often slip through our fingers like unsolidified jello.
The shockwaves of our actions echo outward, like still water disturbed by dropping a stone, sending ripples spreading across the surface. These ripples can shape our reputation in the eyes of those around us.
A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. Ecclesiastes 7:1
Accurate or not, people are observing our lives and drawing their own conclusions about who we really are and what we truly stand for. Before we dismiss this as unimportant, let’s consider Paul’s directive to Timothy when considering people for church leadership roles.
Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace. 1 Timothy 3:7
Our reputation matters. While not everyone is going to like us, or approve of our choices, summarily dismissing constructive criticism, or refusing to consider input from those around us is very short-sighted.
Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. Proverbs 19:20
Those closest to us are often the first to see the repercussions of our actions. They serve as our first line of defense, standing ready to help us keep control of our words and actions before we find ourselves starting a wildfire. They also help us navigate the times of blessing; helping us to keep our eyes on Jesus, and our egos in check.
In ancient Rome and Greece, writers often spoke of a person’s reputation traveling ahead of them. Even before the internet, word of mouth spread like the thick smoke of a fire, arriving in a city long before the notable traveler set foot in the city and setting the tone for his reception.
More people are often touched by the secondhand smoke of our lives than those who have direct contact with us. It is worth considering how our behavior, words, and actions are impacting those who are “downwind” of us.
Are they being encouraged, uplifted and challenged to become more like Jesus, by being more like us? Are we putting stumbling blocks in front of others by demanding our own way? Perhaps we are sending mixed signals by switching recklessly between the two.
Can we honestly challenge others along with Paul?
Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
There are days I would say “yes”, and days I would prefer they do as I say rather than do as I just did! The battle to portray Jesus as Lord of my life still rages.
We are all works in progress. Perfection is not expected, nor possible in this life. When our smoke signals have been sending messages of negativity and confusion it is time to take a step back, acknowledge our weakness and allow God to step in and restore us.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26
Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
God can filter the harmful things out of the smoke of our actions, allowing the healthy, godly parts to continue unobscured. He can restore damaged relationships and help us to rebuild a crumbling reputation.
May our lives be lived with the desire to lift Jesus higher and to hide behind the cross, allowing others to see Jesus. I close with Paul’s final words to the church in Corinth.
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words; Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Apples of Gold 
Leave a comment