Reputation

Everyone has a reputation. We are known for something. We are known by what we do and what we say. "A Good name", Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, "is better than precious ointment". In Bible times ointment, perfume, was a symbol of wealth. A calming, soothing, beautifying thing. Spiritually, relationally, our "name" (aka our "reputation") is much more significant. Having a good name, not a good-sounding name, not being named Joe instead of Herman, or Betty instead of Matilda, but our name being well-spoken of because of godly actions is far better than any earthly treasure. As Prov. 22:1 says "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches".

Whether you realize it our not, you have a reputation. Proverbs 20:11 says "Even a child is known by his actions, whether his conduct is good and right". That means that everyone, including children, is known by their actions. It is an obvious point that must not be overlooked. So simple. So profound. So determining. Our reputation should not be built for our glory or else we will fall (Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction"). Our desire should be for a good reputation so that God would be glorified and that His Name would be praised. If you have a bad "name", a negative "reputation", you will have a hard time living it down. We all know that sometimes people get a bad reputation for no good reason. That's unfair and sad. But most of the time it is our doing that earns us what we are known for. Sometimes the good Name of Jesus Christ is spoken against due to our sin.

It matters how we live. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, "you will know them by their fruits". The qualifications of leaders in the church have much to do with people's dealing with people, how they conduct themselves (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). May we be mindful of this fact, and walk by the Spirit (controlled by God's Spirit, living by the Spirit of God - see Galatians 5:16-26) so that we will not carry out the desires of the flesh. Reputations are fragile. Just ask Tiger Woods or Kobe how fast a good reputation can be sullied and shattered. That's why our decisions are so important. But herein lies the rub: our good intentions often collide with our unwise choices. What can we do?

Take heart, beloved, Jesus has overcome the world.

Take heart, you who, like me, feel the weight of your sinfulness and shortcomings. God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. He knows how you desire to do what is right, good and true. He knows how you want to live differently than your reputation sometimes allows; how you want to rise above the negative things you are sometimes known for. Praise God the blood of Christ cleanses. We who daily feel the burden of our sin will be set free; not just someday, but God wants to do that today in our lives, leading us in victory, triumph in Christ.

Take heart that God has "blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:3-6). May we be known as people of God; the goodness of our lives not stemming from us, but from God in us. May God work it and will it that we would live our lives to the praise of His glorious grace.