A Good Reputation

"A good name is to be chosen over great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold.”  Proverbs 22:1, HCSB

Think for a few minutes of the culture we live in as Americans.  In our “postmodern society” (which I often call a pagan culture), it is “cool” to be “bad.”  People with little regard for biblical principles – in fact almost “blaspheme” - are held in high regard by many, including professing Christians.  A type of “glorification” of a bad, promiscuous, profane lifestyle/reputation has become the norm in our society.  All one has to do is look at our commercials, listen to our popular songs, and observe the t-shirts we are wearing to church.  With this “bad is good” culture that has invaded our culture (including the fringe of the church), what is a Christ-follower to do?

The writer of Proverbs gives us some tried and true advice.  His piercing “one-liners” have withstood the test of time.  Our reputation is a reflection of character.  As believers, it is a reflection of who we are in Christ.

LISTEN (hear in a biblical sense) to what Proverbs continues to teach us in the 21st Century.  Riches, or lack thereof, still try our prejudice.  Prudence is still the mark of a successful person.  Humility still trumps pride.  The fear of the Lord is still the starting place for the most wonderful journey any human can take.  Thorns and snares are still on the daily route for all.

You and I are wise to pay attention to the advice of the ancient sage.  If we are to confront—with the truths of Proverbs—the upside-down, downward-moving, immoral, mainstream culture we inhabit, we must possess courage.  In so doing we mirror (reflect, copy, emulate, imitate) and exalt the life of Jesus.

Take some time today to reflect upon where you are in Christ.  Pray that God will help us in our daily efforts to reflect the life of Christ in our culture.  Pray that others will see Jesus in us and come to know Him as their personal savior and Lord of all.