It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently-Warren Buffet
The other day we were driving to the store and Dave pulled out into the street so he could see both ways before turning. A car came whizzing down the street, the driver started honking his horn and throwing his arms up at us. That person didn't recognize me, but I knew him. He is a missionary here.
Every time I have seen him this week I have judged him and thought don't you know that you can destroy your witness in a split second. It was wrong of him to be so angry with us, but at the same time it was just as wrong for me to judge him all week. How many times have I looked and been annoyed while waiting in line at the grocery store? How often do I get angry with other drivers? It is not my place to judge, but instead to learn from this experience. We are all called to be witnesses to those around us. It can take years to be seen as a good witness for Christ, yet one bad decision or one ill spoken word can destroy all that God has been doing through us. I am so grateful that God is a God who gives grace and second chances. He makes us strong when we are weak and is forever trying to grow us into the people He has called us to be.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
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