Webster’s defines reputation – “what people think and say the character of a person or thing is; character.” Reputation is used 24 hours a day. You judge people, and sometimes you don’t even know it. It is human nature to judge. Everyone gets judged at some point in his or her lives, which gives a person a reputation that may or may not be the true character of that individual. The things you do and the way you act could be the decider of whether you have a good reputation or a bad reputation.
Most reputations are based on a person’s outward appearances, the clothes they wear, the music they listen to, the way they talk, and even little things like their accent. More importantly, a person SHOULD be judged on their godly characteristics as is told to us in Philippians 4:8, “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” When a person lives by this example he or she will be known for having a good reputation.
Truthfulness is a very important part of a person’s reputation. If you lie what kind of a reputation would you build. Describing situations correctly earns a trusting reputation by others that you will always be truthful. 2 Corinthians 8:21 tells us that “providing honorable things not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” Christ’s message encourages humility – being modest without wrongful pride in our accomplishments or ourselves. 1 Peter 5:5-6 says, “…likewise, you younger people, … be clothed with humility” for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ (Proverbs 3:34)
If you have good work habits people will know you for being conscientious and orderly in all things. Ecclesiastes 3:17 reads, “I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and every work.” One characteristic for a good reputation is to do your best in everything. Best is good enough, but practice and hard work can make your best better. Colossians 3:23 states, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men.“
Having a godly reputation can influence others by what we say (Matthew 12:34-35), what we do (Philippians 1:27), and how much faith we have (James 2:18). In Matthew 5:16, Christ encourages us to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father, which is in heaven.” The definition of a person’s true reputation is based on these characteristics and will be readily recognized by others.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favour rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)
