A Reputation that Glorifies God

The end of Acts 5:13 says, “the people held them in high esteem.” This was not because the apostles tried to win popularity contests, but because their lives matched their message. Jesus had told His disciples that the world would know they belonged to Him by their love for one another (John 13:35). The early church was known for compassion, honesty, generosity, and moral integrity. Even those who didn’t believe in Christ could see the difference.
 
Sadly, Christians today sometimes have the opposite reputation—judgmental, hypocritical, or self-serving. While we can’t control every opinion people form about us, we can live in such a way that any accusation against us proves false. A good reputation is not about pride; it’s about stewardship of the name of Christ.

When we live with integrity, treat others with dignity, and love sacrificially, the watching world gets a glimpse of Jesus in us. That kind of witness often speaks louder than any sermon we could preach.
 
Scripture:
1 Peter 2:12 - Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
 
John 13:35 - By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
 
Application:
Look for one tangible way to show Christ’s love this week.
 
Prayer:
Lord, help my life to be consistent with my words. Let my actions reflect Your love so clearly that others are drawn to You. Keep me from hypocrisy, and give me a heart to serve others for Your glory. Amen.