Reputation

But the Philistine commanders were angry. “Send him back to the town you’ve given him!” they demanded. “He can’t go into the battle with us. What if he turns against us in battle and becomes our adversary? Is there any better way for him to reconcile himself with his master than by handing our heads over to him? Isn’t this the same David about whom the women of Israel sing in their dances, ‘Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” [1 Samuel 29.4-5]

We all have a reputation. But what kind of reputation we have depends entirely upon us.

When David charged Goliath on the battlefield and slew him, David wasn't necessarily thinking about his own reputation. In fact, David was more concerned for God's reputation because Goliath was slandering Him and His people. However, in David's zeal to protect God's honor, he began to secure quite a reputation for himself.

David's reputation was so widespread that not only the people of Israel knew the little anecdote about him (originally chanted when David returned after killing Goliath), but also the Philistines had become well-acquainted with David by this same reputation.

A reputation is build based upon what we do. It's not about what we think. And, furthermore, a reputation is not "what I think about myself." 

I find it intriguing that on at least two different occasions (one in today's OYCB reading - 1 Samuel 26.20). David referred to himself as nothing more than a "flea." This is important because, regardless what popular "self-esteem" religion might say, the earmark of a man with a good reputation is humility... which brings me back to 2 Chronicles 7.14, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves..."

True leaders will begin their reputation with humility. However, if  "reputation" is the goal, then humility is not likely genuine. But if humility is the beginning of everything one does, David's example tells us clearly that a reputation of victory and power will be the outcome.

Father, I am nothing that You should speak to or through me. But I am grateful that You allow me to keep coming to You and enjoy the amazing Truth of Your Word.