What do you expect from a Christian brother or sister? Do you expect them to be honest? Do you expect them to be responsible and trustworthy?
What do you think they expect from you? Does it really matter? Of course it does.
In Acts 6, the disciples told the brethren to pick deacons.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Acts 6:3-4
We see that the men were to be responsible – of good report. They were also to be full of the Holy Ghost and wise. Should the rest of us be any different? Of course not!
A reputation is valuable and up to us to maintain. The Holy Spirit enables us to do the right thing.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Good things come to those who have a good name. Opportunities often come because you can be counted on to do what needs to be done.
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7
Your children will benefit simply because they are your children. This is a most wonderful gift to give a child.
Ultimately, you are the only one that can build your reputation. No one else can make the right choices for you each day. It can be tough, but with the Holy Spirit you will be able to do it.
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Luke 9:23-26
To be Christ-like is a daily task. To maintain your reputation – your credibility – ultimately your witness – is a daily task. Each day you face choices. You must choose for yourself the path you will take. It is your reputation on the line. If you follow the bad advice of someone else, instead of the Holy Spirit, you still pay the price long after they are gone.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:16
Today’s challenge is to take responsibility for who you are. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Make the choices God would have you to make no matter what anyone else says. You are the one that has to live the consequences. It’s your reputation! More than that, it’s your witness! Pick up your cross daily and follow Jesus!