Whats Your Reputation?

DEVOTION

2 CORINTHIANS

WHATS YOUR REPUTATION?

2 Cor 8:16-21

16 I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.   19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

NIV

There is plenty here we could focus on but it would appear the overwhelming truth or should we say the underlying truth within is all about reputation. Surely Paul has defended his more than once, but now he lift us the reputation of Titus and the brother, whoever that might be, some think it to be Timothy, some Barnabas or Luke or maybe even Mark or Silas but there is not prove of any. We have to notice how these men are praised for their faithful service to God. We also have to see that Paul was concerned about the reputation of himself and these men was right both in the sight of God and in the sight of men. So we have to ask ourselves what kind of reputation do we have first with God and second with men. Is our reputation with God one of enthusiasm? Does God think of us serving him of our own initiative? Does God praise us for our service to the Gospel? Do we have a reputation with God of taking great pains to do what is right? Then we have to ask about our reputation with others. Do we have a reputation of having a heart after God? Do men see us as having great concern for others? Do they see our enthusiasm and our initiative toward serving the Kingdom of God? Do they think us sincere about it, or do they think of us as glory grabbers? Do people think of us as having eagerness to serve, or see us as serving, but more out of a sense of duty? What is our reputation about the way we administer the liberal gift of God? Do men see us as taking pains to doing what is right in the sight of God as well in their sight? We are ambassador of God. We are aliens in a foreign land, representing our sovereign. We are his voice; we speak for him to the locals who are citizens of this foreign land. We wear his crown in our hearts and minds. Our reputation among men is critical because we are his ambassadors. When men think of us is what they think about God. So we have to sit and examine our reputation, if it is not as it should, we need to revise our ways. If it is the way it should be, then we should continue on with even more determination. But we must take a good hard look at our reputation.