Today’s Reading, 2 Samuel 16-18
Focal Scripture: 2 Samuel 17:10 “Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion will lose heart because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors.”
Our reputations matter more than I think we realize. Our reputations are what precede us before people actually meet us in person. When you hear a person’s name, you have an immediate thought about them. Don’t believe me. Let’s try it out.
Michael Jordan
Donald Trump
Jerry Jones
Elon Musk
Billy Graham
Each name you just read created an immediate thought in your brain. You either had a positive reaction or a negative one. But you were not indifferent. Now, if I were to give you my name, the majority of people reading or listening would be indifferent. They would not have a positive or negative reaction, and that is to be expected.
In today’s reading, we see what happens when the people hear and talk about King David. The people are talking about ways to defeat David in battle. However, when they say David’s name, they are reminded of how the Lord moved in his life. Brave men will lose heart because David is not just a bystander but a valiant warrior. David has not only led but also fought hard and come out victorious. David’s name had a tremendous reputation.
So how do people respond when they hear your name? When they hear my name? Do people roll their eyes? Or are people reminded of your good character and the acts you have performed? Hopefully, if you claim Christ in your life, they talk about your faith. After all, our faith in Christ is what should be the defining part of who we are as believers. It should exude from every part of our being.
As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ. This means we are his spokesperson to the local world around us every day. This means our reputations reflect directly upon the person we represent. Are we going to be perfect? Absolutely not! But it does mean we should live in such a way that when our names are heard, it brings glory to the Lord.
Since we should have a reputation that precedes us, let’s make sure that reputation is one that honors the Lord.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Psalms 26, 40, 58, 61, 62, & 64
