Reputation

 Reputation

August 27, 2027

Mark 8:27 (NKJV) 

Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

1 Timothy 3:7 (NASB95) 

And he (an elder) must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so thathe will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

1 Timothy 5:9-10 (NASB95) 

9 A widow is to be put on the list …, 10 having a reputation for good works; and ifshe has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

The other day we were talking about Jesus asking “Who do men say that I am?” But if we have been walking with Jesus for some years, should we ask the same question? Can people tell that you have been walking with Jesus? What kind of reputation do you have? Paul gave instructions to Timothy about choosing church leaders and caring for widows, and both the elders of the church and widows were to demonstrate a good reputation before being put into a position in the church. So what answer would you get if you ask “Who do men say that I am?”

That is probably not the first question you should ask. When you are young and active you should strive to do the right thing regardless of what people think, but when you get older one tends to wonder what people will say at your funeral. It’s not something to obsess over, but still you want to be remembered as a good Christian. I remember at my fathers funeral, the remarks that meant the most to me came from the young boys in the neighborhood. Their memory of my father was visiting his garage where he fixed their bicycles. He always had time to work on their bikes and listen to their troubles. It was small things like that, acts of kindness to unimportant people, that had the greatest impact. So strive to live like Jesus and pray that people see Jesus in you.

Proverbs 22:1 (NASB95) 

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver andgold.