Image is everything so society says. Perception, right or wrong, is reality. Some could argue that such a world would be hard to live in. But, really, such a world has been around a very long time. In 2nd Thessalonians 3, the writer chastises a group of people who leach off of others. He calls them irresponsible and undisciplined. He even calls for the other Christians in Thessalonica not to associate with the undiscipined group in order to shame them (verse 14).
Why? Because he knew that the Thessalonians were God's "firstfruits" in Macedonia (2.13). It was important for the non-Christians in Thessalonica to see the splendor of God in people who were "not tired of doing good" (3.13). Image and right perception were important. Christians should show their understanding of the spiritual dimension and their great trust in a message they considered "the truth" (2.13). Thus, bad press from Christians within the group could not be tolerated.
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