What’s Your Reputation?

So, what’s on my mind?

Okay, last newsletter about the World Cup, I promise. After watching the Braves, I flipped over to watch the second half of the final as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time. While the result was disappointing for many soccer fans, it may have marked the final World Cup appearance of Lionel Messi, who many consider the GOAT (greatest of all time).

Messi has nothing left to prove. His list of accomplishments is almost impossible to comprehend, and his name is recognized around the world. Children wear his jersey. Commentators speak of him with admiration. Years from now, people who never saw him play will still know his name. That’s the kind of reputation very few people ever achieve.

As I was thinking about Messi this week, I found myself thinking about another man whose name was known, but for a very different reason. In Acts 19, some men attempted to cast out an evil spirit by saying, “I command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” The spirit answered them with these unsettling words: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15)

I’ve always found that verse fascinating. The evil spirit knew who Jesus was. That isn’t surprising. But it also knew Paul. Why? Because Paul had become such a faithful servant of Christ that his ministry had made an impact in the spiritual battle taking place around him. His reputation wasn’t built on fame, popularity, or success. It was built on faithfulness.

Most of us will never have the worldwide recognition of someone like Lionel Messi. Our names won’t be printed in history books or chanted by crowds in stadiums. But Scripture reminds us that there is another kind of reputation worth pursuing.

What if we became known for our kindness? Our generosity? Our willingness to forgive? Our love for Jesus? What if we became the kind of people whose faithful witness quietly changed the lives of those around us? The world may never know our names. But heaven does. And according to Acts 19, even the forces of darkness recognize when someone is faithfully living for Christ. That’s the kind of reputation worth spending a lifetime building.

May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester