In 1733, John Wesley wrote a prayer of submission.  It is a part of a number of vows that he took before God.  The one I wrestle with the most is his prayer about his reputation.  It is in the seventh stanza of the prayer and he writes to God: I give you my reputation.  May I never value it, but only in respect of you; nor endeavor to maintain it, but as it may do the service and advance your honor in the world. I worry about what other people think far more than John Wesley ever would.  The Spiritual Formation Network in Colorado Springs (an inter-denominational group) spent some time in meditation on the entire prayer a few weeks ago, but this stanza has haunted my thoughts.  What would it take for me to surrender my concern for my reputation?  I don't know.  Some people never worry about what others think.  I have heard that there is no need to consider what folks think about you because aren't thinking about you at all.  That would be great.  But I think we all value our reputation and even when we have nothing else, we still pride ourselves in holding onto a good one. Perhaps I would act differently.  Maybe I would run faster and jump higher by not being held back by conscientiousness.  John Wesley surrendered everything, he let nothing hold him back.  I admire that and wish I could do the same.