Do you think people have good things to say about you when you are not around? Do you think you have a “good reputation?” Well, how can someone know that? It may be harder to figure out than we think, or it may be quite simple. When I was in Boston, I knew there were people who did not like anything about me. They were, generally, people who watched me date their ex-girlfriends. You know how that goes…we automatically don’t like the person who ends up with someone you used to be with. That is human nature. But, did they really know me? No. They knew a portion of me which was not a favorable one in their opinion. Is there any way to ensure that we will have a favorable reputation? Well, for the most part, yes!
While I was growing up, I heard a lot of talk about reputation, mostly from my Father. He was big into the Capozzi name. He wanted to make sure that his kids weren’t giving the family a bad name. Who wants to be part of a family that has a bad reputation? Nobody. Sometimes it happens. One false move, in the eyes of those watching, can lead to a bad rep. That can be unfortunate because it can be hard to make up for that one mistake. It’s like getting something on your criminal record or your driving record. It takes years to remedy what you have done to make people’s perceptions of you change. Sometimes even time is not enough to change people’s minds about you.
People try so hard to portray a good image of themselves to others. As Christians, we have more than just our name to represent. We have the responsibility of showing people how Jesus lived and who He was and is. That puts a lot of pressure on us since we can never be perfect. We are going to screw up every day and sometimes in worse ways than others. How do you get a good reputation? I don’t know. Like I said, how do you know if you have one. I guess if you are intuitive/perceptive enough, you can realize how people look at you. Basically, you have to stand for what you believe and live by those first two commandments (not forgetting the rest of them). Good luck with this! If all else fails, and your reputation is ruined, move 1100 miles away!
James
4 comments:
Very interesting, James. First of all, how many "ex-girlfriends" did you date??
Seriously - I worry a lot about making Him look bad - ruining His good name so to speak. Paul even writes that we should live a life worthy of what He has done for us. But Christ wants us to put our reputation into His hands. Reckless abandon into His will and let the burden fall on Him.
Good to have you back!
good stuff sherm! i have to say, your whole attitude completely changes when you realize that you represent Christ even more than you should be representing yourself. really encouraging stuff bro! keep writing!
Wow James, I can't believe that a conversation that we had so long ago still has such impact! If I recall, I was referring to the Scriptures that said"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches..."(Prov 22:1), "A good name is better than precious ointment..."(Eccl 7:1) and "The memory of the righteous is blessed,but the name of the wicked will rot." (Prov 10:7). I recall you saying derogatorily" you're so concerned with reputation!?!" Yes, I saw how my last name was a byword and a moniker for ill reputation as a result of my cousins" "activities" in a certain town years ago. When the last name was mentioned, people would immediately associate it with the reputation of that part of my family. More importantly, and I concur with Dave, that we do not want to bring a reproach to Christ as a result of our "doings."
I miss your face. And your blogs.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
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