Building A Good Reputation

Monday March 27, 2023

Recovery

We did not have a good reputation when we were living in addiction. In fact, even though we tried to hide our problems, we often sunk so deep into our addiction that both our character and reputation were destroyed by our repeated 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 our lives.

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 principles behind good choices, which 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 developing positive character qualities, letting God remove our character defects, and being humble in the learning process. There is no mistake we have made that we cannot learn from. We may have blown the trust of others so many times that it will take time for them to trust us. However, when change is real and consistent, many of us have experienced that people respond with kindness.

Jesus came to earth and laid down His perfectly good reputation to die a sinner’s death on the cross so that we might receive forgiveness and a new life with our Heavenly Father. He sacrificed everything for us. As tough as it may be to rebuild our reputation, God will supply everything we need to 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 Spirit, help me to do the work required to rebuild my life so I can be a person who finds favour with You and with others by the way I live. Each day please 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/

Building A Good Reputation

Audio for Building A Good Reputation

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