Two-minute read.
Developing a good reputation takes time and effort, but it only takes a minute to destroy. When I think of moments when I soiled my reputation, it breaks my heart. In the decades I played tennis, I only lost my temper twice, but when I did, it harmed my reputation, and I regret both instances.
In my working career, I had a stellar reputation, known as reliable, trustworthy, honest, and efficient. I did my job well. Two times I got reprimanded at work, once in college working as a Front Desk Associate, a guest complained about my service, and the other time during my Flight Attendant years, I got in trouble for not sitting in my jump seat during a flight. Taking pride in my work, neither of those things happened again.
Wealth matters less than a good reputation. Often, when you have one, you will find the other. When people hold you in high esteem, they respect your integrity, loyalty, and faithfulness, which comes from putting the Lord first in your life. Striving to live for Jesus will help you live in good favor with others because Christ teaches us how to have relationships with Him and others.
As God’s representatives on Earth, we must strive to have a good name, one respected by others. More important than silver or gold, an admirable name brings praise, influence, and prosperity. Each day, we must try to live for Jesus to the best of our ability, developing a positive reputation and representing Him well.
Walking with the Savior will help you develop an admirable reputation, not on our might, but His. Give God the credit for the blessings in your life, especially a good reputation. Keep in mind how quickly you can lose your good name and the difficulty of getting it back once lost. Follow Jesus and discover how to build a reputation that no one can tarnish.
Journal Question:
How would other people describe your reputation?
In what ways can you develop a good name?
How have you harmed your reputation in the past?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us how and giving us the tools to have a good reputation. As we strive to follow You, let us keep building our good name, representing You well in all we do.
IJNIP. Amen
