A Good Reputation

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35 MSG) 

The way we present ourselves to the world is important to God because people are watching; and if they know (they should!) that we are a Christian; many of them are observing whether our faith makes us any different from them. We may not personally know them; however they will know us by what they see. They will examine and monitor our reactions to adversity and how we respond to others. They will watch what we proclaim our faith means to us and what our level of integrity is. And whether they know us or not, we need to make a good reputation.

“Earn A Reputation For Living Well In God’s Eyes and The Eyes Of The People” (Proverbs 3:4 MSG)

Do people know that you are a Jesus follower by your attitude? What is your general disposition as you live your Christian life? I can recall more times than I care to admit, where my behavior didn’t line up with the characteristics of Jesus’. That’s very sobering to me because I should always represent a virtuous woman with Christian behavior. The way that others will perceive my character will always be determined by the kind of life they see me living!  When others look at my style and disposition, I want to leave an impression of a Godly woman, so that others will be drawn to Him by my behavior. Our reputations are valuable, and we should guard them with our life!

“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.” (Galatians 5:25 MSG)

The book of Galatians chapter 5, discusses the manner in which we should demonstrate the consistency in which we live our lives through the fruits of the Spirit:

•       Love, joy, peace,

•     Patience, kindness,

•      Goodness, faithfulness,

•     Gentleness,

•     Self control.

How would those closest to you describe you as an individual? Our character is what we are, but our reputation is what others think of us. I think these fruits of the Spirit all go with being a humble person of integrity and good character. If we are to be fruitful Christians as the Lord wants us to be, then our lives will show it by the love, joy, peace etc. that we show to others. Your reputation determines the level of respect and the way people will perceive you. It’s so important for our testimony to nurture others and to be respected and responded to positively. We all need to avoid being hypocritical, live up to our words, and “practice what we preach” so that others will think the way they do about us because of the way they see us act and live before them. And as long as we speak and give authentically from the heart with the best we have, we will fulfill the intended purpose of our authentic Christian reputation!