What Are You Known For?

    For what will you be remembered?
    Medieval Europeans often gave permanent names to high profile people who had built a reputation for themselves. Charles the Simple was the son of Louis the Stammerer. They called him this because of his policy of making concessions to Viking invaders rather than fighting. Then there was Louis the Sluggard, noted for his self-indulgence. He ruled from 986 to 987 over the Franks. Ethelred the Unready (968-1016) was so called because of his inability to repel the Danish invasion of England. At first he paid tribute to the Danes, but their raids continued and he was forced to abandon England for Normandy in 1013. Those who were more generous call him Ethelred the Ill-advised. And then there was Louis the Fat. Can you guess where he got his name? It was said to stick after he was unable to mount his horse at the age of 47.
    I wonder, what would I be called? Scott the short? Scott the long-winded preacher?
    We all have a reputation and people do talk about us, like it or not. What is that reputation? What do people say about you? What character traits stand out? Is it that of generosity? Kindness? Patience? Cheerfulness? Genuineness? Or is it selfish? Angry? Critical? Self-willed? When your name comes up in a conversation, what comes to mind?
    I’ve heard too many say, “I don’t care what people think.” My response is two-fold, 1) “Liar.” 2) “If you are a Christian, you should!” Because as followers of Jesus, what they think of us is a reflection on the one we represent. That’s why Paul said in Colossians 4:5, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Maybe we should care more about what people think of our Lord. Our behavior, attitudes, choices and words are a reflection on him. We affect his reputation. He is known by the way we are known.
    So then, what is your reputation and how does that reflect on Jesus?
    “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1 NIV