Reputation

I often hear about a person’s reputation long before having the chance to meet them. This is sometimes a good thing, but sometimes it’s a negative thing for sure. I remember when my brother first started in real estate, he came up with a slogan that said: “Building a reputation not resting on one”.  I believe that I’m building a reputation every day that I live here on earth. I want to have a reputation as a Christ-follower. I want to have a reputation of being trustworthy and honorable in every area of my life.

I love the story of Ruth. She chose to stay with her mother-in-law even though her husband had died. She went back to Naomi’s homeland and Ruth knew no one except Naomi. She went scavenging for food following the harvesters hoping to get grain that they missed. She was noticed by the owner of the field and her reputation preceded her. Check this out…

⁸ Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. ⁹ See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

¹⁰ Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

¹¹ “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. ¹² May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” (Ruth 2:8-12 NLT)

Boaz is a wealthy, honorable man. His head is turned by Ruth’s reputation of caring for her mother-in-law. No one would have blamed Ruth for returning to her homeland, but she cared deeply for Naomi and it showed.

I think everyone should be aware that others are always watching.  Even when it appears that no one sees, we are seen. We are heard. Our actions and how we treat others build out our reputation of kindness and service. I want others to notice my commitment to the Lord by how I live out my everyday life. I want those who see me at home or in public to know that I’m the same person wherever I am.  I think Ruth’s character yielded a strong reputation.

Reputations are built with consistent behavior that is built upon principles and character. People honor reputations and God honor’s character and commitment. It can take a life-time to build a good reputation and about 5 seconds (or less) to destroy it.

Pressing On!

Dwayne