A Good Reputation

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

It was nearing the end of the season when our son had his biggest soccer tournament of the year. Busy with kids in all different activities, we hadn’t had the time to get to know other soccer team parents or families like we’d hoped.

Other moms took Abram to his games the first two days, while Kyle and I worked. As I thanked them over text, their responses were always the same: “It’s no problem at all! Abram’s a great kid!”

We finally made our way midweek to the first of what would be several more games over the next few days. We parked and set up chairs while Abram ran to warm up with his teammates, then we finally got to spend time with the other parents. They greeted us each day as if they already knew us, and they were warm and inviting. I was grateful for the way they accepted us with open arms.

A few days later, after the tournament ended and we were driving home, I turned to my husband. “You know, it’s interesting how accepting everyone is of you and me, based on their opinion of Abram. Everyone loves him, and so they love us by default.”

Kyle nodded. As we continued to drive, I thought about how this analogy could apply to our faith. Do we have a good reputation that opens the door for others to want to know about God? Or are we harsh, cold, uninviting—making it impossible for people to want to know anything about Jesus because they don’t really want to have anything to do with us?

We don’t always think about our reputation and how others might view us. But if we want to be the kind of Christian (and have the kind of witness) that makes others want to know Jesus, we’ve got to pay attention. We are to let our good deeds—the way we talk and act—shine for others to see so that they will praise our heavenly Father and want to get to know him too. We all need to ask ourselves: Does the way I live make others want to know Jesus?

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank God for those who have helped you feel welcome in new situations. Ask him for wisdom in how you can let your good deeds shine before others so that they will be open to hearing about God.