It Matters What People Think

When I hear the names Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm or even Ernie Banks I think of top players in their professions.  They were all all-time greats.  They wanted, they sought, and they accomplished.  These three sports figures were at the top of their game when they played, and will be known for years to come. 

Now when I hear the name OJ Simpson, I don’t even think of football.  The first three words that come to mind are liar, cheater, and murderer.  He destroyed his life through one simple action that will be etched in memories forever.   It was that one action that destroyed his reputation for the rest of his life. 

It matters what people think about you.  It matters what people think about me.  Your life is guided by your actions, and that is what will be remembered about you.  If you call yourself a Christian, your actions must be guided by your relationship with the Lord.  I’m reminded of that in Genesis when King Melchizedek met Abram after Abram had defeated his enemies.  In Genesis 14:19-20 it says, And he blessed him and said, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand! Abram was blessed by Melchizedek because he saw that his life was being blessed by God.  This comes from a life that seeks to please God in all that he does.   How are you doing in this area today?  Do people look at you and at your actions and know that you are a follower of Jesus?  Let your reputation be one that is known as a follower of God!