Title: Reputation
Scripture Read: Proverbs 22
Key Verse: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Observations:
Most people I encounter are trying to make more money. We are obsessed with money and our things. We want to have things because they give us comfort, pleasure and some of us quite honestly would like to quit our jobs and live the life “we have always dreamed of.” This is a problem. I love this Walt Disney quote, “”Find a job that you like so much that you’d do it without compensation; then do it so well that people would pay you to continue.” A job is done not so we can just make money and provide for ourselves, but so we can advance the work of Christ, provide for others in need and make a difference.
When people think of your name, what do they associate it with? Being esteemed and respected is a privileged place to have. To have a name that is great creates emotions and visuals that bring peace and harmony to those in the world. Ultimately, it all points back to Jesus and his influence on your life. As he is made great in your life, you become influential. He is the one worth magnifying.
Applications:
Titus has this card game called, “would you rather.” Most of the cards are quite ridiculous and pose questions such as, would you rather drive a car blindfolded or ride a motorcycle with your eyes open on the edge of a cliff?” But some of the questions posed cause you to really think. One of the core problems with humanity is we desire power and position and then we abuse it. This ruins reputation. So many times we see politicians, athletes and actors who let the position or riches ruin their reputation. What about me? Would I rather have riches, fame and the good life with a tarnished name and a trashed reputation? Or do I desire a great name with a humble life where I live modestly and serve and love people?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to desire a reputation that brings pleasure and honor to you. Keep me from passions and pursuits that will damage my reputation and drive people away from you.
Burning Questions:
When People say your name, what do they associate it with? If you died today, what would your reputation be? Are you satisfied with your career and your passion for what you are doing in the workplace?
Can you imagine if people had the same passion to follow Jesus as they do regarding making a name for themselves?
Serving God with humility will then turn into blessings and blessings, in turn makes us rich, and with these ‘riches’ we can then bless those in need. Rich: well supplied; abounding; abundant; copious; wealthy… etc. I’ve seen how money corrupts a lot of people, but I have also seen wealthy people with the biggest heart! So it depends… If we love God, money will be just a means to bless others and live comfortably. But if our love stands in money alone then as the Word says:
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
But if you don’t work….
Proverbs 12:11
He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.
And if we work for the wrong reasons…
John 6:27
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
I am enjoying studying the Word of God like this… I am learning so much!
I am not satisfied with my career at the moment, but I do a good job, that’s the least I can do. The day will come when I will be able to serve full time!
I’m glad I read this post. I still dream of being a full-time mom to my 2 boys. I know that the day will come when God will make it happen. Until then, I need to do God’s purpose in my life and through my life at my workplace and be able to give for the advancement of God’s work. This was a great reminder for me. Thanks Josh.