Reputation

I’m reading through Acts, the history of the church, and noticing how so many people/people groups are mentioned. There are so many names, so many stories, summed up in just a paragraph or sometimes just a sentence. It got me thinking . . . I wonder what my life story would be summed up on a page, or in a paragraph, or even just a sentence.

Those of good reputation . . .

Believers: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”. (2:42) they were of one heart and soul(4:32), And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.” (2:46-47)

Gamaliel: “a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people” (5:34)

Stephen: “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (6:5)

Paul: “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” (9:15)

Dorcas (Tabitha): “She was full of good works and acts of charity” (9:36)

Cornelius: “a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.” (10:2)

Barnabas: “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” (11:24)

Others . . .

Sadducees: “greatly annoyed” (4:2)

Ananias and Sapphira: “Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back to yourself part of the proceeds of the land” (5:4)

Simon the magician: “Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.” (8:22)

Herod: “Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.” (12:23)

After reading these chapters tonight, I really started to think about my life. I wonder what the pages of my life would say. How would people remember me? How do people speak of me today? What is my reputation like? Hopefully it’s not that I’m “greatly annoyed, or did not give God the glory”. I hope it’s “full of good works, devout, and full of faith”.

What would your life story say on a page? In a brief sentence? What is your reputation like?