Your Reputation
First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because the [news about your faithfulness is being spread throughout the whole world.
Romans 1:8
YOUR REPUTATION
Many years ago, a frozen pizza company was trying to figure out an advertising campaign to bring attention to their product. They designed a series of humorous commercials where an individual was about to lose his life in some melodramatic fashion. In each case, they were asked, “What do you want on your Tombstone?” – to which the answer was, “Pepperoni and Cheese, please.” It was a risky ad since Americans don’t want to hear about death. The company was trying to be humorous with their new catchy name, “Tombstone Pizza Company.”
That leads me to ask you the following question—when you die, what inscription would you like written on your tombstone?
Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died in 2007 and had this chiseled on her tombstone:
“End of Construction—Thank You For Your Patience.”
I like that! She didn’t pick a favorite Bible verse or a lofty quote from a famous leader. She humbled herself and admitted that her life had been “a work in progress” until she died.
Listen Closely: Character is who you are; reputation is what others think you are. In an age of the internet, texting, email and social media, what people think about you and what people say about your reputation as a follower of Jesus Christ can be spread quickly. The reputation of the New Testament believers and their faithfulness spread like wildfire “throughout the whole world.” Think about that for a moment. Don’t miss that important detail. No internet, no texting, no email and no social media, yet their “faithfulness spread throughout the whole world.” Wow! That is a godly reputation.
When people see you, what is their first thought? What does your reputation say to them? Do they immediately think, “Christ follower!” “Not ashamed about his or her faith in Christ!” “Lives the life of a committed follower of Jesus Christ!” Or do they not give those characteristics a second thought about you? I encourage you to be bold. Be fearless. Be strong. Do not be ashamed. Stand firm and resolute in your faith. Live the life that the Apostle Paul penned in Romans 1:16:
“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Jesus Christ. For it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”
Let those words be your reputation!
Love God. Love People. Live Sent.
Be Worth Being,
Kevin
Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.