A prophetic word by Glenice Mills a member of Women’s Apostolic Alliance.
As we continue to examine what a reputation is, we know it is proven over a long period of time. A reputation is the defining attributes of a person, their integrity, and character. We talk of a person’s good or bad reputation. If we are followers of Jesus Christ we are on a life’s journey of learning to walk and conduct ourselves, as He would have.
However this poses an interesting question. So what happens if you have been proven, and over time are spoken of as having a good reputation, but then you make a stand against an injustice that offends, that challenges, and then tarnishes your reputation?
You know before God you are still of a good reputation – people have endorsed and told you that you can be trusted, yet because of your stand for what is right and true you are now portrayed as one who has a bad reputation?
It is a conundrum as we are to walk in integrity, yet when we go against popular opinion or make a stand for something, our reputations can be sullied. Accusations fly at us that are lies, and yet we need to maintain our integrity, and continue to stand for what we believe, even if it costs us our reputations.
Philippians 2:5-7
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
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.
It is interesting to note that Jesus made Himself of no reputation. So I wonder if there is a truth here that we are also required to do. If we are to count the cost and partake in His sufferings then making ourselves of no reputation will happen.
1 Peter 4:12-14
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
When you read the difficult Scriptures like this one you quickly realise that our lives will not be a walk in the park. Sadly it also reveals how far away we are from the truth of God’s word. Unfortunately many who come to salvation are preached a shallow doctrine that keeps a person in immaturity. It is not easy to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. When compromise, living a double standard life and doing our own thing is exposed a choice has to be made – whether you are prepared to give up something in order to follow Jesus Christ.
Partaking in the sufferings of Christ is not a happy, shallow understanding, but one that needs to be taught, and preached about, because that is the reality of walking with God.
If we choose to walk fully surrendered to Him then there will be a cost. That is what it takes to be a bondservant of Jesus Christ. If we make a stand for righteousness and justice then people who don’t understand or agree with our stance will judge us. Our name may well be vilified. We need to know that what we believe in and stand for will cost us – it will cost us our ‘good’ reputations.
