Reputation
This word speaks to what others believe about me. To a certain extent, I can’t control what others think of me. Perception is not always correct, but to those who have a certain perception it’s reality for them. I’m aware that there can be huge misunderstanding and communication issues in nearly every circumstance, but I can often correct this when I’m aware of it.
I love the story of Ruth meeting Boaz for the first time. I love how the passage of scripture says that as Ruth went out to glean the fields for leftover grain, “she happened to glean in the field of Boaz”. I don’t see this as accidental. I love it when God is behind the scenes orchestrating and organizing – He’s always doing this. After Boaz finds out who Ruth is, he instructs his workers to give her water to drink and not to bother her. He made the work as easy as he could for her. She is stunned by his kindness. Check this out…
10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me – a foreigner?’
11 Boaz replied, ‘I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband – how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.’ (Ruth 2:10-12 NIV)
I love how the day-to-day love and respect that Ruth shows her mother-in-law was noticed. She didn’t love Naomi and stay with her to get noticed – she did what she did out of love, respect and honor for her. I believe that my choices today continue to build (or tear down) my reputation among people where I live and work. I received a phone call this past Friday and a guy had been given my name as a good REALTOR. The person who gave my name is a friend and acquaintance. This friend spoke of my reputation and the guy he gave my name to wanted me to list his house. I really try to serve each client or customer with the utmost care and professionalism, but this guy was a referral based on my reputation and I’m busting it hard to serve him.
I believe that reputation can be a fragile concept. I can spend years building my reputation only to destroy by stupid choices or behavior. I believe that I should live today totally aware of how the things I do affect my reputation in the future. I have a lot of control of my reputation when it’s drilled down to my daily actions and my attitude.
I want to be known as a follower of Jesus.
I want to be known as an honest and honorable man.
I want to be known as a good husband and Dad.
I want to be known as an excellent REALTOR.
I want to be known as a leader in the community.
I want to have a stellar reputation as I’m consistently following the Lord. I want Him to give me favor with strangers, acquaintances, friends and referrals.
Pressing On!
Dwayne