In Acts 6, the early church had a problem…Some of the widows were receiving food, but some were not. The surface level issue was food distribution, but the deeper-rooted problem was disunity at best and discrimination at worst.
There were two types of Jewish widows in this scenario: Palestinian and Hellenistic. Hellenes spoke a different language, didn’t always observe all of the Jewish customs and freely interacted with Gentiles. Each of these descriptors were strikes in the eyes of Palestinian Jews and they wanted the Hellenes out. Hellenistic widows were not receiving food because they were Hellenes.
The twelve apostles suggested a group of seven people be commissioned to resolve this issue. They gave the church a three criteria for what to look for in members of this leadership team. A good reputation was at the top of the list.
A meaningful reflection of Jesus takes place when we pursue a good reputation.
A good reputation serves as a ticket of admission into the lives of people and meaningful circumstances. It is not a regular occurrence for people, groups, and organizations to let a complete unknown into their ranks in an impacting way. Access is typically granted after the individual is vetted through references and investigation.
Our reputation is a scouting report. It lets others know what they can expect from us. Our reputation often precedes us and if it is poor, we will find it difficult to convince people otherwise.
4 Thoughts About Reputation
1. A poor reputation will limit what we are able to do
Much of what people say to us and how they treat us is based not upon what we do in the moment, but what they have anticipated we will do based upon our reputation
2. A poor reputation accentuates the negative
If we’re known as a hothead, we don’t even have to get super angry, just begin to get upset and people’s responses will be as if we’ve already blown our tops.
3. A good reputation is developed each day
Like deposits into a retirement account, our daily decisions to live as Christ will accrue value as time passes.
4. A good reputation is valuable
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver and gold. — Proverbs 22:1
Pursuing God-honoring things will lead to a reputation that allows us access to people and opportunities. Do you have your ticket?
Keep Reflecting Jesus!