Release Reputations
Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Good morning! May today be all that you have asked God to let it be! We want to begin our day with only positive vibes, generating them onto each family member as we ready for the day. If you are single, we want those vibes to fall off at work, school, or in others presence so that positivity is everywhere! So many times, we are saddled with trying to keep our reputations filled with that same positivity. In other words, are we giving off the wrong ideas of what our character or lifestyles should be reflecting? Some do say that a reputation must be built over time; that it isn’t something you just inherit or that comes naturally. But, as a child of God, shouldn’t we be reflecting our Christ-like life with only trustworthiness, integrity, empathy, love? As we build our reputations, are we studying the Bible to enhance those Christ-like qualities; are we ensuring that even with success, wealth, we have used each of the “fruits of the Spirit”? Herein lies the question of whether the growth of our reputation is based on others opinions, their criticisms, or are we relying on God’s judgement? For a believer, we must let our reputations be cultivated with honesty, with the love of God and others, and keeping our word. If we are having a little problem with that definition, we need to release that worldly reputation and get back to the one that pleases God; the one that will connect better with others, and that will give us a more peaceful life. Even ministers, pastors, evangelist, popes, priest, nuns, even deacons, must live to better standards than the world wants; they must follow God’s guidance. How can each of those assist us in our journey if they do not follow Christ’s lead? How we live our lives is essential to show non-believers that a relationship with God can make life so much better. So, today, as you get those routines going, as you drive to work, as you do chores and errands, stop for a moment and ponder on whether you are in the reputation that will give you happiness, contentment, a lasting relationship with God and others, or are you living for someone else’s standards? Get into a conversation with God and ask for His help in releasing the wrong reputation so the right one will take over!
Scriptures:
Read: Proverbs22:1, 1 Timothy 3:2-7, Eccl.7:1, Prov.3:3-7, I Pet.2:12, Acts6:2-4, Phil.2:5-18, Matt.5:16, Prov.10:7, Phil.1:25-27, Prov.20:11, James3:10-15, Phil.4:7-9
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come now thanking you for staying beside us, guiding us, providing for us. We thank you, Father, for your patience and understanding; your love that pricks our hearts so we will open our eyes when we have failed you. Father, today, fill us with your presence, so we can show others that this world has no opinion greater than yours. Help us today to get back to where we need to be in the relationship with you; seeing the true Christ-like reputation that we should be showing others. Amen.