What is your reputation? Do people know you? What do they say about you? Do you get satisfaction from a good reputation? Does the pursuit of a good reputation consume your energy and focus?

Conversely, are you dismayed to find out how little people actually care about you, or when they have a negative opinion on you or what you are doing? Are you crushed by a negative reputation?

Galatians 1:22 (NLT): And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally.

And still. After all this time and work, Paul was still not known. Of course they had hear his testimony, about his conversion and how we stopped persecuting Jesus followers.

But they didn’t know him.

They didn’t know the intricate details of his life. They didn’t know his likes and dislikes. They didn’t pay any attention to his thoughts and opinions on this or that. Nope.

He wasn’t special. What Christ did was.

What proceeded him was the miracle of his conversion and faithfulness to now preach the gospel.

He is focused not on making himself known, but making Christ known. His reputation was the least of his concern.

We should model that same attitude.

Often in counseling others, we find that the external value individuals or societies place on others has profound impact on how they feel about themselves.

A child who has a reputation for being a “bad kid” or “poor student”, will probably act like one.

A single mother who has a reputation for being “destitute” or “helpless”, will probably feel pretty lowly about their ability or situation.

A dedicated father who can’t keep a steady income for being a “deadbeat” or “unreliable”, will struggle to commit in the future.

A migrant who is unwanted by society for being “lazy” or “selfish”, will not unify or contribute to their full potential.

A poor person who is “filthy” will not feel worthy to work or operate in higher social circles.

A minority who is looked upon with stereotypes believes they will never be accepted.

Someone who is traumatized, becomes their trauma.

None of this is right.

We often have to restart, and look at identify before and above all else, then what he has done for and with you. I ask the following questions:

Who does God say you are?

How has Christ changed you?

How does God use the new you?

These are more important than any reputation. If you can’t answer these questions on your own, or with clarity, seek out the wisdom and compassion of faithful pastors, biblical counselors and your brothers and sisters in Christ.

As always, you can connect with us for help too.

Peace be with you.