Reputation

I see reputation as something that I’m continuously building upon every day. I believe reputation is about honor, merit, achievement, reliability and steady behavior. Reputation seems to be much about who a person is publicly. If I hold someone in great repute, I tend to look further than just their public persona. I believe a good reputation should extend into every area of a person’s life. If the person is an amazing leader, teacher and friend in the public eye, but an absolute deadbeat, jerk at home then their reputation is drastically diminished. It would seem like it was all an act instead of who they genuinely are.

Jesus was a man misunderstood by many while He walked the earth. He had a mission. He healed many people, both physically, mentally and spiritually.  He had a grace-filled demeanor. His reputation was clearly about the Father’s business of salvation. Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s reputation.  Check this out….

⁷ I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love.
    I will praise the Lord for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,
    which he has granted according to his mercy and love.
⁸ He said, “They are my very own people.
    Surely they will not betray me again.”
    And he became their Savior.
⁹ In all their suffering he also suffered,
    and he personally rescued them.
In his love and mercy he redeemed them.
    He lifted them up and carried them
    through all the years.

¹⁴ As with cattle going down into a peaceful valley,
    the Spirit of the Lord gave them rest.
You led your people, Lord,
    and gained a magnificent reputation.” (Isaiah 63:7-9,14 NLT)

I am so thankful for the reputation of the Lord. The Lord has a reputation of never leaving me alone to face struggle and suffering. I may “feel” alone, but I know now that I was never alone. His Presence is not always loud, but He’s ALWAYS present.  He is always willing to lead and direct my steps, if I was just listen.

There are times that I struggle to adequately describe His amazing reputation for Presence. I have trusted Him for so many years that I can’t imagine what my life would look like without Him. I have had others who came into my life and were close to me for a season, but He has been close to me for my whole life. He has moved with me when I lived in other places. I can’t possibly go anywhere that He is not with me. His reputation is impeccable and beyond me giving adequate description.  I sit here so thankful for the Presence of God. I’m so thankful for His Patience with me. I am nothing without Him, but with Him, I can add value to others every day.

Pressing On!

Dwayne