We spend a lifetime building our reputation. From the day we become accountable for our actions, our reputation is being built and established and although a good reputation takes time, it only takes a moment to ruin one. A moment of pleasure can ruin a life time of achievements. It takes just one act of marital unfaithfulness, one act of deceit, just one wrong move.

My reputation can be summed up in what others have heard of me, and what they’ve come to believe.

Daniel 5:14,

“I have heard of you, that the Spirit of the holy God [or gods] is in you and that light and understanding and superior wisdom are found in you.”

What others are hearing about us is important. What they see is the legacy we leave, and it either testifies of the grace of God or reveals hypocrisy.

It’s true, it doesn’t always matter what others think because opinions might have nothing to do with the truth. However, it’s important to live above reproach so the world finds no cause for accusation against God’s people.

If we live our lives for God, and do our best to bring pleasure to Him through our daily lives and actions, people still might not like us, they still might talk, but at least they’re mouths will be stopped because of a lifestyle that is consistent with the truth.

What are ‘they’ hearing of you?

A side note: If your reputation has been marred by past actions, don’t let that stop you from going forward! It’s never too late to begin doing what’s right, and we should always live for the future and not in the past. God’s grace and mercy are more powerful than any of our mistakes!