Weekly Devo

           We need to seek behavior that shows high moral standards. I hear, see, and read a lot about how people are trying to skirt the perfect law of liberty. (James 1:25) This is not the virtuous life God desires for us. We should be striving to be perfect. That means we need to be willing to understand what all a verse or verses encompasses. Then we can be sure to live right. Those that are virtuous meditate on what is true, just, noble, pure, lovely, and of good report. (Phil. 4:8) The world is the opposite. They run in the flood of dispensation. (I Pet. 4:4) Then they speak evil of us. Don’t give in and try to skirt the truth or compromise your virtue. Be virtuous.                                                                                                                                                             

Seek a good reputation by the life you live by faith. Let your manner of life be so good that when those that would speak evil of you cannot. (I Pet. 2:11-12) Not only will they not be able to speak against you but they will glorify God. Do not forget who you represent. Let your light so shine before men, that they see your good works and glorify God. (Mat. 5:16) Do not worry about what others say. A good reputation is not based on what others think or say, but it is based on the life you live. You live for God and the good report will come. Live carefully so you don’t find yourself creating a bad reputation. Always remember your reputation is either saving souls or condemning souls.                 

There are things in this life we cannot control. According to others, Jesus was a glutton, wine babbler, and a friend of sinners and tax collectors. (Matt. 11:19) We cannot help what others say about us. We can simply live right by faith. The rest will take care of its self. We see this in the life of Christ. We must think on good reports. We need to let that captivate our minds lest we find ourselves pleasing the evil one. (2 Cor. 12:20) We live lives free from sin. (Rm. 6:7) Let us make sure to stay that way. (Rm. 6:1-4) Even then some will talk. I find it humorous that we never gossip about the good others do. I suppose there is no entertainment in that.                   

        Eli made sure to note that it was the bad report of his sons that was causing God’s people to transgress. A bad report can cause the destruction of another’s soul. Even a bad report with no truth to it can still cause damage. We must be sure not to gossip. (Lev. 19:16) Those “harmless” words you pass on could be destroying more than you know. Focus on the good that people do. Share the great things of others. Stay clear of the bad and refuse to gossip. Some live lives that generate a bad reputation. We don’t need to help them by talking about them. When you hear something bad about someone with a good reputation go talk to them. The odds are in their favor that it is not true. You may be saving them some grave heartache. Be sure to generate a good report about yourself by the way you live. Then you can lead people to the salvation of their souls instead of the destruction.  See Psalm 15-1-3.