A good name

A reputation is something not often thought about when you are
young but it is realized has the years press on. Remember all those creative ideas you wanted to try that were sometimes over the top and the voice of reason would not be heard. Things like: bungee jumping or sky diving or being with a group of people who gossip or a close person who goes through life with a ‘faithless’ filter. We think that at that moment of time it is not very impacting on our reputation. Can it be true?

I recently helped my 87 year old mom prepare and paint a few walls at her home. It was a huge project because the wallpaper had been on the wall for over 20 years. It did not want to come off easily and after three days of preparing the wall, it was time to paint! Now when I paint everyone knows. This is because somehow I get spots of paint on my arms, hair, toes, elbows and yes, on the wall too. I never really notice when it happens but at the end of the experience there is evidence of where I have been and what I have been doing. This is true when it comes to the influences in my life and the decisions I make in relationships. My reputation is a reflection of those very influence or experiences.

So, keep in mind that taking ‘stock’ of our life choices and personal temperament is a healthy and well deserving effort. Like that 20 year old wallpaper, rip off the old, ugly and out of fashion thinking and allow the Lord’s legacy to show.

“A good name is better than fine perfume…” Ecclesiastes 7:1a