Bad Reputation?

“When someone hates your cause, all strategies of love will be slandered, even opposite ones.”

John Piper

As a Christian, I have spent to much time pursuing a good reputation in an attempt to be a light in this world. However, I have found that even this good pursuit can become idolatrous. At times, I can become so focused on my reputation as a christian that I forget what is most important. In chapter seven of John Piper’s “Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ,” he reminded me that my reputation should not be my main focus. Instead, I am called to take up my cross and follow Jesus, even if it means sacrificing my reputation.

Living in a world where reputation means everything can be challenging. We see it in our workplaces, schools, and even churches. But when we place to much emphasis on reputation, we lose sight of the most important thing- our relationship with Jesus. We should strive to live a life that pleases God, not man.

One illustration that comes to mind is the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. Joseph was a baller who was hated by his brothers and sold into slavery, but he continued to trust in God and eventually became second in command in Egypt. His reputation was tarnished, but God used his story for His glory. Joseph’s life reminds us that God can use a tarnished reputation for His good purpose.

Let us strive to live a life that pleases God, not man. Our reputation may be important, but it should never take priority over out relationship with Jesus, whose life from birth was riddled with scandal, whose reputation was tarnished but who pursued the will of The Father all the more, nonetheless. Let us rejoice in the poverty of a bad reputation and trust that God can use even a slandered reputation for His glory.

“In the end, the only “good name” that matters is not how men feel about us, but how God feels about us.”

John Piper

In Him, with love

mike