Articles
Character
Our reputation is formed based on what others believe, and their viewpoint is also based on what they believe. So that means our reputation varies based on whose opinion is being discussed at the time.
Jesus had both a good and bad reputation, and probably everything in between. His too, was determined by which audience was speaking about Him. To those who knew and understood Him, He was Lord and Christ, Messiah. He was all things good, and the embodiment of perfection.
Many did not accept Him as Messiah, even though they called themselves "religious". It would be safe to say, many probably thought He was a good man, but with varying degree. Then, there were those who looked upon Jesus the same as those who chose to reject Him altogether. To them, He was a troublemaker. He was a blasphemer, He was a fraud, worthy of death. They plotted to kill Him because He taught in ways they disagreed with or that threatened their position(s). They judged Him based on their lack of knowledge, while His disciples judged Him based on what they had come to know about Him.
For us today, we want a good reputation, but if that means stooping to the ways of the world in order to "earn" it, then we need to not worry about what other think. We should instead focus on who we really are, because that is what God sees. God sees us completely, through and through, and His determination as to who we are is based in fact, not perception. God knows our heart and our actions, so to Him, there is no difference in character and reputation.
As the world pushes us to be more like them, it taints our reputation when we refuse. Non-believers, and even some who claim to believe, are blinded by Satan and the teachings of this world regarding much of what they believe, as they don't have the truth, or have chosen to reject it. Only thorugh an intimate relationship with God and Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a good understanding of Scripture can we know what God is looking for, and whether or not He sees it in us.
God is a fair judge when He looks at us. What would He say today about our character?
