A Good Reputation
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
If you are going to be faithful to God and His word, then you are going to eventually face criticism. Not all of that criticism is going to be directed at the message. Most likely, the incoming is going to get personal. Names will be called, labels will be attached, and canceling will commence. Get ready for it. It is inevitable. Your reputation will take a hit.
Some take that reality to mean that you should just stop caring about your reputation. They would say things like, “I don’t care what anyone else thinks about me!” To a degree, they are right about taking this stance. We are to seek to please God, not men. Caring too much about what other people think will lead to compromising your convictions.
Having said that, we can’t completely abandon any and all concerns about our reputation. It does matter what people think. At least it matters what some people think. Creating a bad reputation is like building a wall that people have to overcome to hear the message of the gospel you are trying to proclaim. They can’t see Christ because they are blinded by what they perceive you to be.
It’s quite a conundrum, isn’t it? Care, but don’t care.
I think the way to approach this is to think first and foremost about living your life “Corem Deo” - Living before the face of God. Care about being a person of integrity, virtue, ethics, and goodness. Live in a way that you sense the smile of your heavenly Father over your life. When you do that, your reputation among those who are people of goodwill (whether Christian or not) will be good.
That’s a good thing, not because you want or need their approval, but because you love them and want them to know Christ. You don’t want your life to be a hindrance to their knowing Him. You want to be a bridge, not a barrier, to their faith.
There are going to be people who will condemn you unjustly. It’s not fair. Don’t concern yourself too much with them. Pray for them. Don’t retaliate. Leave them to God. Keep doing what is right. Live to have a good reputation, not for your sake, but for the sake of the gospel.
