He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
1 Timothy 3:7 NIV
While this instruction is given specifically to pastors, I believe it has application to all believers. What is your reputation among unbelievers? They don’t have to like you or the God you serve. But your life should be above reproach.
You are a reflection of God to the world around you. Is it a good reflection? Or is Satan using you to keep people from God? Mahatma Gandhi once said “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” And I cannot count the number of times I have heard other people say something similar; rejecting God and Christianity because of the poor example that Christians have set.
Satan would like nothing more than to negate our witness to the world by making us like the world. Don’t fall for his trap. Be willing to be different from the world; living as citizens of the kingdom of God. Live in such a way that those you encounter will recognize Christ in you; and want what you have. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).