How To Recognize a Spiritually Mature Person | Good Reputation (part 2)

Man Of Integrity (part 2) | Above Reproach (Good Reputation)

Last time we met we discussed where we were going. Today we are going to look at our first point which is Above Reproach. The definition of the word is defined: 

above (or beyond) reproach such that no criticism can be made; perfect.

Before we can go any further, we need to look at this topic. We need to step outside ourselves and really evaluate where we are with this. With honesty, we can really open the door to a more mature life by answering a lot of questions about our reputation. This is one area where christians seem to get called to account on more and more by others. Lets take a closer look.

You will find a couple examples of this trait called upon in 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6,7;Acts 6:3 and 16:2

The term can be translated to mean a man of good reputation. Do you have a good reputation? A mature person will have a good reputation. This characteristic umbrellas all the other quality’s of a mature person and says so much about where you stand. If you think about this, I bet you can come up with a list of a few, but not very many, people you know who you would say are “above reproach”. Only three people come to my mind instantly. Are you above reproach?

If you are a person that is above reproach then your good reputation will create positive feedback. I believe you would begin to find that people will freely comment positively to and about you. A good reputation spurs people to talk positively about you. I find that when certain individuals names comes up in conversation, I automatically add positive comments in the conversation. It is hard not to because it bubbles up from the heart into the mouth. How many people are talking? What are they saying about you?  

How far does your reputation spread? Are you the only one that thinks highly of yourself? There is something about a good reputation. It is beyond you. How far does your reputation go? Does your family think highly of you or are they constantly arguing with everything you say? How is your reputation in your spiritual community? Do others seek you out for wisdom and counsel? So you have a good reputation at home and church, but what is it like at work?  How far out your reputation precedes and what they are saying about you will give you a better picture of your inner qualities. A good reputation is the sign of one who is maturing and growing in Christ.

Let’s pause here to take a moment to write down some of the words that we would use to describe one who has a good reputation. How would you describe a man of integrity? Use the comment section and let’s hear it. I thought of:

• a man who keeps his word
• works hard even when no one is watching
• honest
• self-controlled
• manages his home well
• will not let you down
• fair
• faithful 
• consistent
• a good father

As you will see, most of the descriptions of a person of integrity or a good reputation are very similar to those that Paul lists in Timothy and Titus. A good reputation is something to be desired and is required for any sort of leadership. This includes leadership in your own home. Your children are going to follow your example. Are they following a man of integrity and of good reputation or one of a negative nature? What kinds of seeds are you planting. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself for further evaluation of YOUR reputation:

• What evidence do YOU have that you have a good reputation?
• Is your groups of friends and disciples growing more and more? 
• Are more and more people looking to share their lives with you?
• Do your relationships grow deeper and more significant the longer people know you? Do they grow strained and become shallow as people find out who you are?
• Does your circle of friends grow wider and increase in the number of people who admire and trust you?
• Do people recommend you for significant or difficult tasks without worrying that you will let them down?

If you find it hard to be honest with yourself and being objective in answering these questions, then have a close friend answer them. Answering these questions honestly will help open the door to dealing with future topics in this study. Most importantly, being a person of integrity, above reproach, a man of good reputation, helps us become a mature people.

Comments are open for discussion.