Reputation is something that affects the thoughts and actions of most humans. However, this often goes unnoticed. How we view ‘reputation’ matters. It has a significant impact on how we live and how we see our world and the people around us.

How do you view your own reputation? Does it matter to you?

How do you view reputation?

Reputation is, in one way, something to aspire too. Being known for being kind, caring, loving, generous, encouraging, humble, wise, gentle, self-controlled, patient or a peacemaker, is an amazing thing to enjoy.

However, being concerned about our reputation in a negative way can be toxic and detrimental to us. This can also be called ‘people pleasing’. People pleasing causes us to need the repeated affirmation of others. We determine what we say and do based on what other people may think or say. People pleasing is when our main concern is avoiding anything that might cause people to react negatively toward us.

This is a sure way to subjugate the dreams, identity and destiny God has planned for you.

Jesus’ Example

What was Jesus’ attitude to His own reputation? His only real concern seemed to be that He always honoured His Father. Jesus was largely unconcerned about the opinions of others, whether they were His friends (the disciples) or His enemies (the Pharisees).

John 14:31 – “I am doing exactly what the Father destined for me to accomplish, so that the world can discover how much I love my Father”

Jesus words are an interesting contrast to people pleasing!

Becoming more like Jesus

How can we become more like Jesus in this regard? Holy Spirit is our Companion, Guide, Revelator and Teacher. He can explain the hidden things of Jesus and empower us to live like that. It is Holy Spirit who shows us how to be authentic followers who increasingly live like the One we follow.

Matthew 11:29 – “Simply join your life with mine. Learn from me and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble and easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in Me.”

Remember, if you have a lofty opinion of yourself and seek to be honoured, you will be humbled. But if you have a modest opinion of yourself and choose to humble yourself, you will be honoured (Matthew 23:12). Proverbs 11:2 illustrates this reality, “Walking in humility helps you make wise decisions.”

Will we lay down our reputations to glorify His?

– Navigator Jo

—

Read also: Are You Truly Living Or Simply Existing?