How’s your rep? Feelin’ like it’s unsalvageable? Not worth fighting for? Useless? Waste of time? Irrelevant? Not worth bothering? Who cares?
Let me tell you something, friend…it is worth fighting for, and so are you. Whether you are a Christian or not, I hope that you will find some truths and encouragement in my take aways from this sermon based on Genesis 20.
Genesis 20 tells tells us of Abraham & Sarah’s journey to Gerar, where Abraham tells King Abimelech that Sarah is his sister. This, of course, is a half truth…which makes an entire lie. Abimelech calls Abraham out on his story after hearing from God, and then makes sure that Abraham and Sarah are taken care of and sends them on their way. That’s the short version…there is so much more to the story than that, and I hope that that read the full chapter and listen to Pastor Michael’s sermon to learn more if this chapter is not familiar to you. I’m going to focus here on how to protect and improve your reputation.
First, we must understand why your reputation matters.
Many are of the mindset of ‘I don’t care what other’s think,’ or ‘why should I care?’. But is that really honest? if it is for you, then read on and let me know your thoughts.
Your choices affect not only you, but the world around you. Have you ever heard the saying, “the sins of the father’s…”? Well, I assure that my eldest son has had to deal with the ripple effects of choices his father and I made, just like I have had to deal with the ripple effects of choices my parents made. These ripples can extend far beyond our family members, and farther than we may ever know. I’d give you a few personal examples, but, well, that would be breaching the privacy of others that aren’t writing this blog…so…you’ll have to use your imagination.
Let’s say you’re not really concerned about your impact on others (I hope that’s not the case)… let’s look at the impact of your choices on your own life. Have you ever read one of those books where you get to make choices for the main character, and that determines what happens next and how the story ends? Think of it like that…something as simple as choosing to show up to work today can change the path of your future. Being a responsible and reliable employee can open doors to promotions, other opportunities, and personal growth experiences that that can change your path in ways you may have never imagined. On the flip side, if you are an unengaged, undependable employee, you will likely be locked into your current position indefinitely, if you are even able to keep that.
Now, let’s talk about four things Pastor shared that can improve your reputation:
- Stop telling half truths. Sometimes, we do this so much that we don’t even realize we do it. We just want to be included, a part of the things others share…but you know what? We need to just tell the whole truth, because telling a half truth is another way of telling a whole lie. And, usually, people can see right through them anyway…and if they don’t yet, they will eventually. Telling half truths damages your credibility. If you can’t be trusted, well, you won’t be trusted. Your word, your expertise, even your life advice and experience means nothing. Just be you, and be honest. There is so much more human connection to be found in truth and vulnerability.
2. Don’t be afraid of people and what they think of you. You know the saying: “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” True story. Stop worrying about what other people think, what imagined control they have over you and your future. God has a plan for you, and it is a wonderful work he is doing. What someone else thinks of you, your past, your present circumstances…completely irrevelant to that plan. Let yourself be seen and known and let God work through the beauty that is wonderfully yours.
3. Confess. Confess your sins, your wrongs to God. If necessary, confess them to others. Yup…I’m saying suck it up buttercup…own it…and then LET IT GO! The freedom this will give you – well, if you haven’t already, give it a try…I could write 1000 more words on this topic...it may take time, it may be hard, even uncomfortable. But, I assure you: the weight it will remove from your shoulders, is well worth the effort.
4. Have faith in God. Abraham relied on himself to avoid a potentially dangerous situation…that was unnecessary. So often, we think we can figure things out on our own. All we need do is hand it over and give to the Lord. That’s not to say we sit idle…there may be work to do…there may be nothing to do but wait and watch. Be sure to listen to that still small voice that will guide your words, your steps, your searchings, and your actions.
Do you see how these four steps intertwine? They all work together for your good, just like God is always doing. He promises us that he will be with us and protect us (Psalm 91). That shelter, that dwelling place is His Love and our Faith in that.
Friends, I wish you hope, faith, and rest! I hope that you’ll take the time to watch or just listen to Brother Michael’s sermon. It is so much more in depth than this post, and he shares additional scripture for you to explore in this journey. I hope that it brings you joy, hope, and comfort. If your reputation is not what you want it to be, or what you think it could be…trust in God and allow him to help you rebuild.
Ever plan out a post and have it take a completely different direction than you intended? Happens to me all the time…no matter how much time I spend prepping it and praying over…God has more important things to say than I do…I hope, if He meant it for you, that it was well received.
I’ve noticed so many people mentally and emotionally struggling lately…both on social media and in my personal life. I don’t know if it’s a fluke, the algorithms, the timing of the fact that we’ve been in this pandemic for about 6 months, with no clear end in sight…who knows…but, for whatever reason, it’s there. I feel it, too, friends. The emotional roller coaster, the frustration, the helplessness. I want to encourage you to continue to spread joy, and kindness. Continue to lift one another up. Keep getting up and putting your best foot forward…and know that it’s ok if that’s a stinky, smelly, mess of an unwashed foot some days. Continue to pray and draw closer to God. You are not alone. We truly, truly are not in this alone, though I know it can feel like that on more days than any of us would care to admit.
Much Love, and many blessings,
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