Reputation is a wonderful thing to have when it is admired by others. The good mother, the godly wife, the faithful husband are all words we would desire that others might speak about us. Many of our efforts and much of our time is used as we attempt to be recognized as the best or at least to be thought of as worthy of comparison to those who are. Choose an occupation, an activity, a philosophy which can be admired and there are those who are acknowledged as best. We use the word champion. We give titles to indicate our recognition of accomplishment.
Likewise, infamy is also noted with labels and notorious names. Wickedness is disparaged. Evil is seen as the antithesis which it is to the good of godliness. Hitler and Genghis Khan and great conquering murderous men are held up as the epitome of the lows to which men can sink who will find pleasure in perversity. A Judas is a traitor and “Your name is Mudd” are reasons for some names to be avoided because of the reputation associated with it. And it is worse when the previous reputation of the fallen was once held in high esteem.
Reputation has been defined as that which is so difficult to gain and so easy to lose. Integrity is part and parcel with a good reputation. Selfishness, perversity and disregard for the humanity of others characterize bad reputations. A good cook, a compelling artist, a joyful spirit, and a gifted athlete are all held in high regard. Yet not all of us have the skills talents and abilities to be seen in that light. Still we make choices based on what we do have. We desire to be seen as victorious in our endeavors even if they are small compared to others. If I am as strong or as smart or as gifted as someone else, why should I not be recognized as equal or better than they?
When Jesus was resurrected and enjoying a meal and fellowship time with His disciples, one of them questioned the future fate of another to Jesus. His answer has become synonymous with “take care of your own business and don’t worry about other peoples business”. He answered “ What is that unto thee? “ While each of us have a purpose in life and should strive to fulfill it well, we also compare ourselves to others. Jesus was saying “knock it off already with the I’m better than you attitude”. Reputation does not stand without comparison. Yet we are all reminded to be compared to Jesus who knew no sin. Not once, not ever did He falter or fall into sin. Yet He lowered Himself to be compared to sinners like you and I.
Here is the point of reputation. It is a measure of who you are, not a goal to be attained. The goal is victory. The reputation is because we are victorious. We fail when we Focus on the reputation and not on the effort required to obtain the victory. The reputation is that she is a great mom or he is a fabulous father. That is the measure others have placed upon the body of work which is worthy of acclamation. Being who you are designed to be is the victory. There are millions of average musicians in the world. There are a few hundred perhaps who are excellent at their craft. They are inspiration for those with aspirations. They are held in high reputation because of what they have accomplished and not how they desire to be seen.
Fallen from grace is how we described those who do not maintain their self proclaimed ascendance. When someone declares themselves as worthy before the work is fully recognized, they are seen as pretenders. Very often their body of work falls short. Government leaders, managers of people and resources, even coaches of highly ranked sports teams must have built over time a body of work which demonstrates their ability to motivate, encourage and accomplish what is expected. A reputation alone will not satisfy expectations without the support of success. Those who fail will usually suffer the total loss of the reputation they attempt to stand upon.