This past weekend, I shared a on message about Ruth, specifically chapter two of the book named after her in the Old Testament. A part of my sermon addressed our own personal reputations.

I asked this question, What is your reputation? What are you known for? How would someone describe you?

Whether we like it or not, someone has been told something about you at some point in your life. That’s your reputation.

The good news is that you are totally in control of your own character from which reputations are forged.

In the Old Testament book of Ruth, we quickly learn that Ruth’s reputation was tied to what she did for her mother in-law Naomi and her hard work. People will tell others about how you treat people and what you do.

This is how it played out in Ruth chapter 2.

Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, “Whose young woman is that?”

The foreman replied, “She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi. She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.’ She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter.” Ruth 2:5-6

Boaz wanted to know about Ruth (they had not met yet). The foreman tells Boaz everything he knows about her. Ruth’s reputation stems from her compassionate care for Naomi (Ruth’s mother in-law) including gathering food for their survival.

Like everyone in the world, your reputation precedes you.

King Solomon knew the value of having a “good name” in the community.

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

Why would Solomon write that?

Life is about relationships and not stuff. The meaning of life is not discovered in the accumulation of wealth. How you treat others matters more to God than what you possess.

A good reputation draws others close to you and relationships are deepened. We see that in Ruth’s story. It begins with her character and yours.

As much as we might want to be perfect, we occasionally do dumb stuff, and our reputations can take a hit.

Solomon speaks to this as well in Ecclesiastes.

As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. Ecclesiastes 10:1

Those are the times we own our mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Often that is a time for repentance (change in behavior) so that mistake never happens again.

In my sermon, I said that there is great integrity in owning your own mistakes and moving forward. People will see that too and will admire you for it.

My caution to you would be to guard your heart moving forward because…

“A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was.”  Bishop Joseph Hall

It may not be fair, but there is truth in those words. What should we do in those moments of brokenness? Scripture points the way…

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:23-27

Remember, someone is always watching.

Reach for Jesus and His wisdom… others will see that and follow you as you seek Jesus.

God bless,
Pr. Ben