Every couple of days or so I receive an email that goes something like this: “Congratulations, Derek! Joe Blow has endorsed you for… ‘Underwater Basket-Weaving,’ or ‘Rocket Science,'” or something else I’m not sure I’ve ever successfully accomplished.

Sure, I understand the basic idea; Linked-in is a networking site that allows professionals to be “in the conversation” with peers, potential employers/employees, and others who may have something of value to share. It’s possible, I imagine, to pick up leads, connections, contracts, and even actual jobs because of the credentials and experience there for all to see.

VISIBILITY: Social media “experts” recommend endorsing high-profile people for their skills, following their tweets, and “liking” everything they post. The idea is to foster reciprocity, in order to leverage personal visibility and marketability. It makes sense, I guess, but only if someone actually knows something about the person they’re tagging with all these glowing endorsements.

Recently I’ve noticed that I’m getting endorsed for stuff I don’t do, won’t do, or can’t ever imagine doing. I’ll grant that I’m an excellent writer, that I’ve enjoyed a lot of success in public speaking, that I have expertise in the realm of blogging, and that my career in education was better than good. But my top three endorsements – currently – are in editing, copyediting, and proof-reading. Seriously? I think people might want to talk with my old high-school English teachers before hiring me as a proof-reader!

Then in the past couple of weeks I’ve picked up nods in the realms of “fiction” and “grant writing;” I’ve heard that the two are very closely related, but to date I have done neither.

I appreciate the support, I really do, but I’m not sure we’re doing the world of professional networking any favors when we just make stuff up in order to score an endorsement or two for ourselves.

OPINIONS THAT COUNT: This whole conversation has got me to thinking about what I’d really like to see attached to my name in terms of endorsements, the kind of qualities I’d covet more than “data-entry,” (really?) or “skills in fundraising” (even if I could). Here are just a few:

“Congratulations! You have been endorsed for the following skills and expertise:”

• Integrity
• Character
• Love
• Encouragement
• Kindness
• Prayer
• Patience
• Generosity
• Honesty
• Faithfulness
• Peace
• Goodness
• Self control

Imagine walking downtown, and a couple of people step out of a restaurant across the street: “Look!” one of them exclaims, “there goes ________ (insert your name); talk about a good and faithful witness to God’s love.” “You know, you’re right,” his friend replies; “there’s something about him; almost a spiritual presence; I can’t help but feel blessed every time I’m in his company….”

Now that’s an endorsement! And, to tell the truth, it’s the level of credible witness to Love that being a Follower of the Way of Jesus demands.

– DEREK