Several months ago as I often do, I was checking the obituaries on a website for a funeral home in the town I grew up in. Going down the list of names, I came across the name of a fellow whom I hadn't seen in over forty years. Bob had worked in a local hardware store that my parents patronized. He was always very cheerful. And more than once I remember when Dad and Mom were going through some challenging financial times, Bob seemed to come to the rescue with lower cost alternatives, some how-to instruction, or even carrying the bill for a short time.

On occasion over those forty some years, I would think of that hardware store, the town, of Bob, and the good memories his actions back then had left with me. I hadn't known him very well, but what I did know was of his genuine concern and cheerful actions with people. It made me wonder ........... not so much what are people going to think of me, but what kind of impression am I making on folks that I meet? With only a brief encounter, what memories might a young child have of me when he is older? Or even frighteningly so, what if I had instilled some bad thoughts or memories in his mind? And if I had, how much might I have hindered his possible relationship with Christ? There are many Bible references regarding a man's character and integrity. let me leave you with just one more; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NIV) 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.