Read today’s texts first: 1 Samuel 11,12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11
MAXIMize YOUR DAY
Let your reputation speak for itself. If you blow
your own horn, you’ll be playing a solo.
My dad often told me, “let your reputation speak for itself.” Then he showed me what he meant by that, living a consistently reputable life. He made some mistakes, but he is remembered today by all who knew him as a good man who loved Jesus with all his heart. Our readings today all reflect on reputations:
Samuel, defending his honesty so Israel will heed his warnings (12:1-5); the Chronicler (likely Ezra), listing all the generations, good and bad, leading up to the exile (ch. 1-8); and Paul, talking about his sacrifices so the church of Corinth will believe him over false apostles (11:23-28).
Normally you wouldn’t want to or need to defend your reputation. If you blow your own horn you’ll be playing a solo. In other words, no one will back up a braggart! But we should be prepared to give a defense when called upon (1 Peter 3:15).
Samuel wants Israel to affirm his honest heart and God’s faithfulness before he delivers his final words: be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away (12:24,25). His desire is that Israel will follow his example and leave behind their own legacy of faithfulness.
The genealogies in 1 Chronicles may be boring to some, but I find them fascinating. First, I marvel at how and why God keeps such accurate records of every life. That speaks to me of the importance of every moral decision I make. Second, I noticed how some of the faithless generations later became the mortal enemies of Israel, which challenges me to pass on my love for God to my children and grandchildren.
Paul’s defense is a list of his sacrifices. False prophets are motivated by selfishness but a real Jesus follower will have a résumé of selfless sacrifice. “Lord, that is how You lived for me, and that is how I want to live for You. I pray that You will help me leave behind a reputation that speaks volumes, not about me, but about You!”
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