Reputation!

Reputation! How we are perceived! Though the perception all have of us may not be accurate, striving to maintain a good and godly reputation is important if what we say about Christ and Christianity is going to be accepted. People are watching to see how much we really believe what we say.

Someone has said, "People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do." Our reputation among others usually arises more from what they observe than from what we claim. Therefore we need to always be on guard as to the manner in which we live. What does our approach to the varying situations and tasks of life say about us?

In Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, he exhorted. . .
"(14) DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT GRUMBLING or questioning, (15) THAT YOU MAY BE BLAMELESS AND INNOCENT, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD, (16) holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain." ( Philippians 2:14-16 ESV)

Is this an ongoing challenge; grumbling about things we are faced with doing? I must admit I do not have the grumbling completely licked. Certainly some things are more enjoyable to do than others, but to go about those tasks grumbling to ourselves simply adds to how much it seems like work. We should always be mindful of how our attitude in the manner in which we approach life's situations and tasks says something about our character. Is our approach to life more from the stand point of "have to's" or "want to's"? Are we becoming known by those around us as possessing a JOY FOR SERVICE?

Living "blameless" (Gk. "amemptos") does not mean we are perfect. Rather it is the idea of living in a manner in which we cannot be faulted. That is the result of aiming to be un-hypocritical in the way we approach life. Do what we say and what we do go hand-in-hand? May that be the reputation we become known for. It is the best way to be taken seriously. Also, keep in mind a reputation is a lot easier to maintain than to regain once it is lost.

Have a great day BEING SUCH A SHINING LIGHT IN THE WORLD!
Carl

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