A Reputation Above Reproach
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
I Timothy 3:2–3 ESV
The saying “What people think of you is none of your business” is very helpful when combating people-pleasing insecurities. And gosh, I wish someone had told me that years ago! Because if people didn’t like me, I absolutely made it my business. I’d stand there like a deer in headlights, wide-eyed and with heart-pounding anxiety if I wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
However, that’s life. No matter how hard we try, there will be some people we can never please. No matter how kind we are, there will be some people who go out of their way to speak hatefully against us. We should never lose sleep over people’s petty perceptions—however, there is a f lip side to this. If we are constantly experiencing reputation problems, it might be time to take a deep breath and grab the magnifying glass.
When we surround ourselves with believers, it’s like iron sharpening iron. Godly friends will love us enough to tell us the truth and call us out on our wrongdoings. But instead of digging in our heels in pride, we must be teachable enough to listen. A reputation above reproach can’t happen without a little humility—so it is very important for us to be honest, pliable, receptive, and willing to adhere to correction. This is a good thing—and a way for us to be a better example for Christ.
No, Jesus wasn’t loved by all, but His reputation spoke for itself. Our job is to follow His example. The goal isn’t to put our godliness on display or to be liked by everyone—it’s to live with a clear conscience before God and man.
It’s true, our character matters, our words matter, and our deeds matter. If we are able to embody Christ’s love in our interactions, we can inspire others. Even if others seek to damage our reputation, it will be our track record of integrity that will always be our best defense. By living out our values with authenticity, we can bypass any manmade accusations to make meaningful impacts in the lives of others and glorify God in all we do.
God, I know a good reputation in Your sight is more valuable than man’s perception of me. Refine my character and keep me humble. Amen.
This is an excerpt from A Confidence That Changes Everything: Devotions to Shine Bright in This Topsy-Turvy Life, the new book by Hannah Crews!
