I was standing with two older guys the other day when an interesting conversation broke out. One of them said, "I knew your dad years ago when he raced cars at the Sumter Rebel Speedway. He was a good man that would race clean. He didn't try to hurt people or crash the other cars." I could tell the other guy was pleased to hear his dad being talked about so favorably. And I think it made him proud.
Our reputation is one of the most important things we have. We can have a good name that causes people to smile and talk positively about us. Or we have a not-so-good name that causes people to roll their eyes and speak negatively about us. And the way we live our lives mostly determines what kind of reputation we have. It's based on the choices we make.
The Bible speaks about this. In Proverbs 22:1 we read, "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold." Wow! A good reputation means more than money. That's so true. When we have built a good name for ourselves, people respect us and trust us. And that's a good thing.
Maybe you've made some wrong choices in your life and messed up your reputation. Is there any hope left? Sure. Humble yourself, own up to your mistakes, apologize sincerely for your wrongdoings, and do better with the rest of your life. It may take some time for people to come around and trust you again. But you can help yourself and your reputation day by day with good choices, honest living, and God's help.
Money is important. But a good name matters much more. And each of us have the opportunity to build a good one.
Let's all live God's way today. When we do that, we will naturally honor Him, bless others, and manage ourselves. This will lead to something really valuable: a good reputation.
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