My (Our) Reputation

When all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings who lived along the Mediterranean coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan River so the people of Israel could cross, they lost heart and were paralyzed with fear because of them. [Joshua 5.1]

That's quite a reputation. It is of great significance that "reputation" was something Moses appealed to God about (see God's Reputation).

Because we know God is concerned for His reputation, it is important that our reputation is found entirely in Him. Is our reputation one of God's great power going before and behind us? Are we known as people whose lives are protected by God Himself? Or, are we known for a lot of talk with nothing of God's power evident in our lives? The apostle Paul warned Timothy against such:

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3.5]

Based on God's Word and all the miraculous and powerful non-natural events attributed to the historical nation of Israel and particular individuals who pleased God, should not God's people be absolutely ashamed of their reputation in the earth today?

The reason persecution of believers (particularly in the Western Hemisphere) is not more prevalent is because these "believers" pose no threat to anyone because abstract faith does nothing!

To the contrary, when God's undeniable, irrefutable power manifests among His people, those outside the family of God's people take notice ...in fear. Frankly, there is nothing to fear of the modern Church because their reputation is of no consequence to anyone (including themselves). Faith that does nothing is really not faith at all:

So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. [James 2.24]

It is not ironic that James' words come up in this discussion today because the very next thing James wrote refers to Rahab, the prostitute mentioned in today's OYCB reading!

Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. [James 2.25-26]

Rahab gained a reputation for what she did to help Israel. But not any less important to us today is the fact that Rahab also had a previous reputation as a prostitute (which should give hope to those whose reputation may not be so great presently). If God changed the reputation of a prostitute, He can change our reputation!

Abstract faith however offers nothing to which to attach a reputation except passivity. Abstract faith is passive. Genuine faith that pleases God is active - stuff happens - people pay attention! There is nothing to fear of any passive group whether they 'follow' God or 'follow' the devil. Is this not evident in today's society with activist groups? They are the ones always "stirring the pot." Unfortunately, activist groups we hear the most about promote evil (abortion, homosexuality, perversion, pleasure, lust, greed, and all manner of self-centeredness).

Jesus' faith was active. He healed the sick, raised the dead, walked on water and spoke the Truth. And, Jesus was never vague in commissioning His followers to do likewise.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” [John 20.21]

"Christians" can say it isn't so (that we are called to do miracles) all day long, but they cannot do so with Biblical basis!

The most disturbing part of all this however is that "Christians" who refute doing the works of Jesus and those who promote doing the works of Jesus all mostly have the same powerless reputation: they are just religious people. Jesus addressed this:

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [Matthew 7.15-16]

The way we act tells everything. It IS our reputation. Jesus also said this:

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” [Mark 16.15-18]

Who has this reputation today? Certainly not those who refute such activity (and who consequently spend much time trying to discourage others from believing it)! But, as stated above, it is most disturbing that those who "embrace" Mark 16.15-18 don't have the widespread reputation for actually doing it!

Question: Since God is so concerned about His reputation, should we not be equally concerned about our reputation in Him? (hint: the answer is "yes")

Father, please forgive me for all the talk about Your power with no evidence of it in my life. I am ashamed of this reputation of abstract faith. Please forgive me and help me, like Rahab, to change my reputation.