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Whether or not people want to admit it, at some level everyone cares what others think. For much of the world (especially those in Junior or Senior High school) this plays a major influence in their decision making process. As I reflect over my life, there are many things I have done, said, or agreed with simply over concern of what those around me might say or think.
Carried to the extreme, this may be unhealthy and even dangerous, if everything we say or do is heavily swayed by fear of being rejected, teased, or treated differently due to your jeans, hairstyle, or preferred shopping center. However, careful attention to one’s reputation cannot only be positive; it’s Biblical. Proverbs 22:1 states “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Truly, one’s reputation is hard earned, and easily tarnished. So, what are you known for? When others think or speak of you what is on their lips? Moreover, when someone spends time with you, what impressions are they left with? How have you marked their life?
In John 12:9-11 we read this, “When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.”
Because of Christ’s marvelous miracle, raising Lazarus from the dead, many people came out to see Him with their own eyes. As the fame of his return from the grave spread, multitudes made the short trip up from Jerusalem. When they did, regardless of why they came, Lazarus didn’t steal the credit, downplay God’s work, or shrink back into the shadows. Rather, he boldly shared his testimony of God’s work in his life. How he was dead, and Christ made him alive. Many who came to see him, encountered the power and presence of Christ and left believing in Him.
It didn’t take long for the religious leaders hears to start burning with whispers of Lazarus’s testimony. Yet he did not stop sharing the amazing truth and promise of Christ. So many were turning to Christ because of Lazarus’s confession, that the Jews considered him as an equal threat to them as Christ; planning to kill him as well. Now that is a reputation: one where someone is known for their testimony of Christ, so much so that it angers those whom refuse to believe.
Each believer has a similar testimony to Lazarus; for each of us has been raised from the dead. Ephesians two tells us that we were “dead in our sins.” Before Christ, everyone is a spiritual corpse void of any spiritual life. However through faith in Christ, God “makes us alive” in Christ. Forgiving our sins, regenerating our spirit, causing us to be born again.
When people see this new creation, let us not shrink away from the questions, downplay God’s redemptive work, or steal any glory for ourselves. Let’s stand with confidence before all who ask, and give testimony of Christ’s saving work in our lives. As we do, others will be less interested with our reputation; and more concerned with Christ’s.
May be said of you that many left your presence believing in Christ.
Labels: Alive, Believe, Born Again, Confession, Dead, Devotions, Ephesians 2, Forgiveness, God, Grave, Jesus, John 12:9-11, Lazarus, Miracle, Proverbs 22:1, Regenerate, Reputation, Sin, Testimony, Truth
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