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Protecting Your Reputation

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1

One day a Sunday school teacher who fancied himself as a great Christian asked his first-graders, "Why do you think people call me a good Christian?" After a long embarrassing silence, a little voice piped up, "Maybe it's because they don't know you." Ouch! John Wayne portrayed a larger than life image of strength and patriotism. Yet a closer look at the man behind the legend reveals that: a) while he denounced those who refused to serve in Vietnam, he himself got out of serving in WW2 in order to focus on his career b) the star of so many successful horse epics, actually hated horses c) this "Son of the West" was actually born in Iowa with the name Marion Morrison! Now we expect movie stars to have screen personas; it's all part of the business. But not Christians; we need to be in reality what we appear to be! Your reputation determines your impact either positively or negatively. Listen: "A good name is more desirable than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1). That means, when it comes to choosing between profit or integrity - choose integrity! You can always earn more money, but all the shares on the Stock Exchange won't buy back your good name when it's gone. Integrity is everything! When you say you'll do something - do it! Even though keeping your word means sacrifice, keep it and God will honor and bless you!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me reflect your nature, your name, your being to those who know me. In Jesus' Name, Amen