Building A Good Reputation

Tuesday November 9, 2021

Recovery

When we were living in addiction we were not known as people who had a good reputation. In fact, even though we tried to hide what was going on, we had sunk so deep into our addiction that our character and reputation were destroyed by our constant poor choices. Dealing with a bad reputation is one of the most difficult things to face as we seek to live well in recovery with God.

God's word describes the value of a good reputation and has lots of helpful advice for us as we seek to rebuild ours.

A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Always let others see you behaving properly, even though they may still accuse you of doing wrong. Then on the day of judgment, they will honor God by telling the good things they saw you do. (Proverbs 22:1 CEV, Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT, 1 Peter 2:12 CEV)

The list of good choices that are foundational to good character are clearly laid out in the above Bible verses: be loyal; be kind; behave properly, do good. Rebuilding our reputation is about letting God remove our character defects and inviting Him to help us develop positive character qualities while remaining humble. There is nothing we have done that we cannot learn from. When we have blown another’s trust many times, it may take time for them to trust us again. However, when change is evident over time, many of us have experienced that people do come around and respond with kindness.

Jesus came to earth to die a sinner’s death on the cross and laid down His good reputation in order that we might receive forgiveness and a new life in recovery with God. He sacrificed everything for us. As tough as it may seem to rebuild our reputation, God is all powerful and will help us do that.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus came to earth and gave up His good reputation so I could have a new life. Empowered by Your Holy Spirit, help me to do the work required to build a new reputation and be a person who has favour with You and with others. One choice at a time, help me to honour You with my thoughts, words, and actions. Amen

More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

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