REPUTATIONS

When reputations become an idol

With the need to be respected,

Let’s just keep in mind

That we’re probably not elected.

Because a lifetime of striving

For all humanistic praise,

Will not humbly bow the knee

To respect and honour God’s holy ways.

Reputations will remain a stronghold

When money, power and control will reign,

Where all the luxuries are paramount

Without any self-restraint.

Jesus never had a reputation

Although He was God in the flesh,

And He never exalted Himself, no not once,

Although the power of God He could manifest.

The only reputation that matters

Is when love, kindness and peace they kiss;

To be a humble servant to those in need;

To be there and to assist.

Reputations can be false

When we’re loved one day and hated the next,

Because it’s God’s will in our lives

That is the very best.

Reputations come crumbling down

When we’re no longer required,

Especially when we go against the grain

And no longer by lies are inspired.

Reputations are frail 

Because the fallen nature of mankind,

Will only use and abuse for corporate gain

And for an advantage to always find.

But if we’re known for our kindness

With a gentle and giving spirit,

There are eternal treasures that are stored

With many benefits in it.

Let’s take Jesus’ example to see;

He was not a man of reputation,

But instead cared deeply for our soul

And more importantly for our eternal salvation.

So if we’re concerned about our reputation

If we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior,

Just remember God will be ashamed of us on that day

When with Almighty we’ll have no favour.

The only reputation that will matter

Is whether we’re covered by Jesus Christ;

Grafted into His eternal vine

Where His nourishment will suffice.

Today is the day of salvation

So when He calls us by our name,

Let’s humbly surrender and respond to Him

So our lives will never be the same.

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”  Mark 8:38

“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty…that no flesh should glory in His presence.”  1 Corinthians 1:26-29

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”  Phillipians 2:5-7

“That at the name of Jesus every knew should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:10-11

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”  2 Corinthians 6:2