Many people would rather save face than be sincere. In politics, family life, and, unfortunately, even within churches, a lack of honesty creates disasters. An African proverb translates to say, “If you are a horse, do not let people call you a donkey.” The opposite is also true. If you are a donkey, you should not let others think you are a horse. Jesus rebuked the church in Sardis for being dead but having a reputation of being alive.
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