Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NIV)
A good name is better than fine perfume,
and the day of
death better than the day of birth.
REPUTATIONS ARE LIKE credit. Once ruined, restoring them
is complicated.
Greg was a distant cousin and rebel who was somewhat of
an idol for seventies teenagers with rebellious tendencies. He was into the
"hippie scene" complete with long hair, boots, beads, and a Chevy van
sporting wide tires, mag wheels and a custom interior. Greg was also into some
of the negative facets of the movement: disregard for authority, drugs, alcohol
and bumming around. He was popular, but not for honorable reasons. Greg was a
rebel with a reputation to match. Unfortunately, his lifestyle eventually led
to premature death.
Reputations have a way of influencing others, and Greg's
did for some. Some couldn't wait to legally do some of the things he did, have
some of the things he had and be as popular as he was. Some followed his
footsteps to a degree and got what he had: a reputation.
Reputations are somewhat like character which is built by
integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing when everyone is watching or no
one is looking. Integrity forms character which is who we genuinely are. When
guarded and preserved, good reputations serve us well in the community, our
places of employment and in relationships. When trashed, they do the opposite.
Eventually reputation can be rebuilt. It is difficult and
takes time. Guarding it initially would have simplified the process. Love, joy,
patience, honesty, kindness, faithfulness, self control, punctuality,
dependability are traits of good reputations. Only careful choices shape
reputations characterized by these qualities, but doing so allows our Jesus
lights to shine. And this focuses others in the right direction.
Have you tarnished your reputation with bad choices? It's
never too late to let God help you rebuild character. Turn it over to the Lord
today and let Him help you rebuild your reputation.
Dear Lord, help us guard our actions and our thoughts.
Help us keep our reputation clean so that it would bring honor to You in all
that we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment