Today’s Reading, 1 Chronicles 7-8
Focal Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:9 “Their family records were recorded according to the heads of their ancestral families — 20,200 valiant warriors.”
Have you ever heard that reputation is important? Reputation is what others know about a person before they actually meet them. Sometimes reputations are earned and valid. Other times reputations are crafted to harm another person. No matter if it is positive or negative the reputation has an impact on that person and with others.
In today’s reading we see the impact of a positive reputation. We have more lineage described in the Bible. However, this time we have more description. We go from this person’s related to this person to these people are valiant warriors. So much so that the history of these men is recorded to be remembered forever. To be a valiant warrior means you are brave, control of emotions, face your fears, and know when to fight a battle. This is a reputation worth having.
I have learned over the years that everyone has a reputation of us to some degree. Sometimes people get it wrong but overall when you take into account all the descriptions they are pretty accurate. Just watch out for the outliers and for people who want to manipulate and destroy a persons reputation. Gossips come in all shapes and sizes and are masters at manipulating information. Their reputation proceeds them as well.
The challenge for us today is to live a life that even if others say something negative about us our overall reputation refutes that narrative. We should strive to be valiant warriors for Christ. People full of character and full of grace. People who love others and treats them with respect. People passionate about Jesus.
Then when you deal with others make your own conclusion about their reputation. Watch and observe their behavior and see if it is authentic or a front. We must be aware that people will give us what we want publicly and reveal their true reputation privately. This is why the warriors description is so important because in the thick of battle the real you is revealed.
So who are you really? Is your reputation true and good? If not ask yourself why and how it can become more godly.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Chronicles 9-11
