Vouch
- Dorma Guice
- Oct 1, 2020
- 5 min read
Definition: to assert or confirm as a result of one's own experience that something is true or accurately so described *
Approximate Number of Occurrences in Scripture (9)
Read: Philemon verses 8-22 for full context of this account
Philemon 17-19 (MSG) 17 So if you still consider me a comrade-in-arms, welcome him back as you would me. 18 If he damaged anything or owes you anything, chalk it up to my account. 19 This is my personal signature—Paul—and I stand behind it. (I don't need to remind you, do I, that you owe your very life to me?)
That Was Then
Of all the letters the apostle Paul wrote, this one is an endearing anomaly. Unlike his other writings to instruct and encourage the entire church, Paul addresses this one to a single person, Philemon. Albeit brief, this letter contains a message that rivals any of his more detailed exhortations.
We don’t get the gist of his text until verse 10 as Paul eased into this carefully worded communication; but he was making an appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who ran away from his master and was currently tending to Paul while he was on house arrest and awaiting trial. Scripture does not tell us what transpired between Onesimus and Philemon that prompted his escape, or how he ended up at Paul’s; but one thing is clear - he had since become a disciple of Jesus. Paul, finding himself in an awkward position as he had greatly benefited from Onesimus’ service to him, must do the right thing and send him back to his master. To safeguard against him being received with the contempt and harsh discipline due a defected slave, Paul vouched for him. By introducing him as not just a slave, but a brother, Paul put Onesimus on the same level as himself and Philemon. (vs. 16)
He goes even further by asking Philemon to charge any wrongs or debts Onesimus incurred to his account. This is amazing not just because it implies that Philemon suffered monetary losses resulting from his slave’s departure (either via theft or lack of services); but that Paul is essentially writing a blank check – taking all of Onesimus’ wrongs upon himself. (vs. 18) Paul stood in the gap for a rebellious, dishonest and defected slave who deserved to be punished to the fullest extent of the law, by putting his own relationship with the slave’s master on the line and vouching for him - convincing him that they were all equals. Sound familiar?
The parallels we can draw from this account are endless. No matter who you are or what you’ve done (good or bad) we are all Onesimus. Jesus, like Paul, took our sins upon himself, went before the Father whom we were separated from and vouched for us. Thus, reconciling the estranged relationship, and restoring the direct connection as well as all covenant rights as sons of GOD. It’s no wonder Paul wrote earlier in the letter his prayer that Philemon “would be active in sharing his faith so he would have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ” (vs. 6 NIV). Colossians 4:9 gives us a clue that Paul’s appeal to Philemon was well received and Onesimus was restored to the fellowship in Colossae.
This is Now
The popular saying: “it’s not what you know, but who you know applies to virtually every facet of our lives from career and business to ministry to intimate relationships. If you were to quickly assess your most significant accomplishments (i.e. landing a great job or client, receiving that college acceptance letter, making the team roster, getting married or starting a serious dating relationship, your child getting into that coveted school, nabbing the promotion, making the guest list for that sold-out event, etc.) how many of them came about because you were introduced to someone who vouched for you? Truth is, you may not have been the most talented, qualified, athletic or attractive; but one endorsement was all it took to give you an edge over your competitors. That’s because decision makers would much rather mitigate the risk of giving an opportunity to someone they don’t know or trust. Knowing you or someone they trust who is willing to vouch for you greatly increases your chances than relying on your own merits.
I’m not saying that hard work and doing your best is futile, it’s just no longer the only factor considered. As the social networking model is rapidly changing our entire culture, having someone to vouch for us is more important now than ever. One area where this shift is prevalent is the job market. Whereas in the past, potential employers wouldn’t check references until a job offer was on the table, now one of the first things they do is view your professional profile to see who you’re connected to. Your network speaks just as loudly as the resume in determining if you are the best fit for the job or company. This model is also impacting the way we borrow money as peer-to-peer lenders are emerging at a manic pace. Social (or character-based) lending enables us to borrow small amounts of money from a group of people rather than one big institution. Creditworthiness is established based on the size of our social network and the number of people willing to vouch for our character. As a small number of those folks may be called upon to fund a portion of the loan before the lender agrees to kick in the rest, our reputation could well determine our level of success.
Not long ago, people skills sat second chair to talent or a good product. We were inclined to look the other way for the sake of getting the job done. That’s no longer the case. Whether you’re engaging in a personal or business exchange, at the forefront of your counterpart’s mind is “can I trust or respect this person?” The answer will determine whether or not they will engage with you again or vouch for you when the time comes. The same logic applies when you are called upon to vouch for someone within your sphere of influence. That said, we’d be remiss to underestimate the power of putting in a “good word”.
Who Said That?!!!
“I vouch for him, that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.” (Col 4:13) – Apostle Paul
What Do You Say?
AFFIRMATION: "I speak well of everyone who deserves it. And when I am asked my opinion about someone of ill repute, I simply tell the truth."
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