Good Repute

Being an ambassador for Christ in this current world, is not an easy one. The majority of the world would call us born-again believers as being in the way of progress. And so it is of no surprise that to the world, it is easy to cast a side-eye towards someone who has recognized their need for a Savior. So how are we to respond? The answer is found in Proverbs 3:3-4.

“3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.4 So you will find favor and a good reputation
In the sight of God and man.”

The word kindness here is the same word for mercy. So this verse should read as “Do not let mercy and truth leave you”. So everyday our actions should show mercy, and the only way that we can understand mercy is by understanding that God has shown us mercy. We are all born sinners and yet, when we come to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God not only forgives us but forgets our transactions against Him. “12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us.” Psalm 103:12. That means we should have this same mentality to the world.

That is not to say that we allow the world to walk over us, to enforce their ideals unchecked. That is why we are also advised to not let truth leave you. The only truth that is in this world is “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16. God loves us and wants us to be reconciled to Him. This is the truth that we must continue to present to this world. These two characteristics should be bound around our neck. This means they are visible, our actions should always be presented as merciful but truthful. This is the only way that we will find favor and a good reputation not only in the sight of the world, but most importantly in the sight of God.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex