WHATS YOUR REPUTATION? Choose a GOOD REPUTATION over great riches; being held in HIGH ESTEEM is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1 NLT) The KJV says having a good name is to be valued. Reputation means the estimation in which a person is held especially by the community or general public. It also means a favorable repute, a good name, standing or merit. Scripture is very clear that our conduct is to estimated in high regard. For instance, it says the church or any organization for that matter needs people of good reputation, Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of GOOD REPUTATION, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; (Acts 6:3 NKJV). As Christians and leaders within the faith we need to have a great reputation inside and outside the church community. Paul speaking of men who lead said, He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?. (1 Timothy 3:4, 5 NLT). And also regarding how people view church leaders outside the faith he said, Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap. (1 Timothy 3:7 NLT) I was once teaching a class of college students and I did an exercise asking them this question, If you were to die today what sort of legacy would you leave? And what would people say about you at your memorial service. Many of those students had to think long and hard about the impressions they had been leaving the people around them. At one time or another weve all had to think about the impression we leave others. As people of faith we need to be conscious of our love walk, faith life, our generosity, sacrifice and service to others. At the end of my existence here on earth, I want to leave a legacy of a faith life and love walk more than anything! Here is what Paul said about the Roman christians and how they were estimated by the community. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that YOUR FAITH IS SPOKEN OF throughout the whole world. (Romans 1:8 NKJV). Hey lets be conscious and deliberate about the image that we are portraying. being held in high esteem is better (Proverbs 22:1 NLT)
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 22:48:23 +0000