Friday, 12th August, 2022
Bible Reading: Galatians 5: 22-23
Memory Verse: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
The differences between reputation and character include: 1. Character is the distinctive qualities of an individual whereas reputation is the general opinion of others of a person.
2. Character takes years to build whereas reputation could be built in a very short period.
3. Character is who you are (internal), but reputation is how the society sees you (external).
4. Character is built through the individual effort whereas reputation is built by others.
5. Character is true to oneself, but reputation may not be so.
You might have a certain reputation among strangers, or the general public due to propaganda, or “paparazzi” but eventually, when such people are exposed to your true character, they will form their own opinion based on that character of yours, and begin to propagate such opinion, thereby leading to you having a new reputation amongst a crop of individuals.
Your reputation will follow you everywhere. We all remember in high school that person who was known for bad things, and that person who was known for good things. Live in a way that is honorable. People usually don’t remember the good. People usually remember the one bad thing. All it takes is just one mishap for your reputation to be tarnished. As believers, we are to be imitators of God and walk by the Spirit. Even if we are slandered, we are to do good in the eyes of others. If we have a reputation for righteousness that glorifies God, but if we indulge in wickedness like unbelievers, that makes us a hypocrite and that gives people a reason to slander.
Again, I say:
A. If you work on your character, you don’t need to expend resources on building your reputation.
B. As long as you have a good character, you shouldn’t bother about your reputation, they will eventually match up with each other!
C. Most importantly, as long as God is concerned, your character among men on earth is your reputation with him in heaven!
Quote: Your reputation is who people think you are, while your character is who you really are.
Prophetic Decree: Your character shall not deny you your eternal destiny, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. I refuse to live lesser than heaven’s expectations for my life, in Jesus name.
2. My reputation shall not betray my character, in Jesus name.
3. Holy Spirit, please mould me into the image of Christ, in Jesus name.
4. Holy Spirit of God, work a formidable character in me, in Jesus name.
5. I refuse to misrepresent God in my character and consequently reputation, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 18-22
