Reputation

While I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday I had an epiphany (or, you know, just a good thought). We were talking about how our reputation can be marred when something painful happens and it wasn't our fault. If the other person - because there always is two people in any kind of event like this - is immature, insecure or just having a bad day, sometimes they will blame you...and with that comes whatever they choose to tell other people about the messy situation, too.

Now, people are people, and things happen. It's OK. I'm not here to rant about high school drama, which, I have come to find out, is very similar to adult drama. I have been not only the victim, but also the perpetrator. Sometimes we do and say things we shouldn't. Grace grace grace must abound. God asks us to humbly apologize and forgive and move on. Back to the epiphany.

Jesus chose His followers. He picked them out by name, one by one, He called them. Judas was one of these men. Did Jesus make a mistake by choosing Judas? No. I know this because I've read the Gospels a few times and gotten to the end, otherwise I would tell you "Yes, what was He thinking?!"

Here is how this ties into reputation: Jesus let the reputation He left behind speak for itself. He knew who Judas was, and who Peter, Thomas and Andrew were, too. He had absolutely no doubt that they were going to betray and deny Him, and not even show up at the cross. What I find curious is that the people around Jesus must have thought He didn't know what He was doing when choosing followers and apprentices'. Their dishonor could throw off any trust that Jesus had gained - if those closest to Him couldn't remain faithful and believe in Him, then was He really the one they call Christ, Son of God? Pretty pathetic leaders He raised up (Hint, hint, sarcasm).

Our reputation is important. It can and often does reveal our true selves. After reflecting on this, though, I also see that Jesus left Himself behind, and people who were going to "get it" did; those whose hearts were hardened, just couldn't figure Him out.

Those of us in places of leadership, which is all of us to some capacity, must care more about our personal integrity and being Spirit led, than our specific reputation. If we hang out with sinners, or choose broken leaders ( on accident or on purpose), we trust that this is God's perfect way of working.

Wherever you go, let Christ in you be what is remembered.

Hebrews 13:20 "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."