Livin Lively

By Peggy Lively

            A couple of weeks ago, my husband was explaining to our children what it means for their “reputation to precede them,” and he was challenging them to have a good reputation with teachers, coaches and other parents. He told them how quickly they can become defined by others as a result of their attitudes and actions, whether good or bad.

            I thought back on this conversation as I read about one of my favorite people in the Bible, Stephen. In Acts, we read repeatedly about the type of reputation that Stephen had.

            In Acts 6, Jesus’ twelve disciples were enlisting seven men to help them take care of the widows. The disciples said that these helpers should be men, “who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (verse 3) Verse 5 says, “This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” Then in verse 8, it says, “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” And again in Acts 7:55, “Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Stephen is consistently defined as a man who was full of faith, wisdom and the Spirit of God.

            When people mention your name what words do they use to define you:

Friendly or unkind? Generous or greedy?

Serving or self-centered? Full of grace or unforgiving?

Joyful or bitter? Proud or humble?

Hardworking or lazy? Genuine or deceptive?

Do they describe you as one who is full of faith, wisdom and God’s Spirit?         

            I pray that I might have a reputation like Stephen’s. And remember, the goal in having a good reputation is not to impress people but to reflect the character of Jesus. 

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1, NLT)