Word of the Week - Reputation
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Reputation defined is the general belief or opinion that people have about a person, entity or organization as it relates to name, character, stature, status.
Good name in the verse above is referring to reputation or standing. In ancient Israel, a person’s name was intricately linked with their reputation and standing in the community. A good name and reputation is most valuable in this life, and should be desirous for all but especially for those who consider themselves disciples of Jesus. We are not just representing ourselves, but also representing our “Good Lord” as His followers. A good name and reputation can take years or even decades to build but can be destroyed in an instant.
Building a Good Name – Our name and reputation are typically built over time through our interactions with others. Our reputation is normally associated with our character. Do we do what we say we will do and operate with integrity? Do we treat people in an honorable and respectful manner? Are we fair and reasonable towards others? Do we have a heart of gratitude and generosity towards others? Are we givers or takers; is our mode of operation to extract value from others or add value to others? Do we care about others and how our actions affect them? How do we make people feel, do we build them up or tear them down? These characteristics build up over time to form our reputation as a person and as a collective group.
Having a good name and honorable reputation is the result of developing inner character and living uprightly over time. Living with integrity builds a respectable reputation. Abiding in Christ and following and obeying God’s Word is not only pleasing to God but will lead to building a good name. If we focus on our relationship with Jesus and have a healthy fear of the Lord, then our lives will bear fruit, and we will earn favor with God and others. “How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who greatly delights in His commandments.” Proverbs 112:11. God’s ways are higher and better than our ways. Living to please God and always striving to keep a clear conscience before God and people will lead to a good name. “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” Acts 24:16
Loving God and others is the key – The greatest commandment of all is “To love God with all your heart, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 The second part of the great commandment has been translated into the “The Golden Rule”, to treat others as you would like to be treated. This is a simple concept; but can be hard to live out day to day in our broken and sinful world, especially in the times we are living in where there is such a division of values in our culture. If we are to live with integrity to God’s values (His commandments), we will surely offend people who are opposed to these values. So, what do we do? We lead with a spirit of love. This is what Jesus did. He always led with love, simply caring for people no matter their view or reputation. He spoke the truth in love and with care. 1 Corinthians 13 is called the Love chapter in the bible as it defines love from God’s perspective. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always projects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Even though God has set the bar very high, as people of faith we can never go wrong by leading with love and doing our best to live out the great commandment and “Golden Rule”! God promises us that if we live this way, we will build a good name and reputation before God and others. I also believe this works in most aspects of life, especially business. If you and your team treat people well and with integrity, then you will build a good name and reputation; and over the course of time, you and your business will be blessed. This is the simple but powerful principle of sowing and reaping and it works.
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” Proverbs 3:3-4
Have a great week,
Duane