Our reputation is what people think we are. However, our characters define the very essence of who we are. Character is revealed by the way we act and respond to life situations. Our reputation is how people perceive us based on what they see or hear us do. To perform a good deed now and then is not what defines us with christian characters, but rather the Christ-like way we act every day, not only in the good times, but stressful situations as well. If we really want to be like Jesus, we need to ask God to cleanse us from sin and then to trust Him to guide us each step of the way. It's all about surrendering our will to God's will. If we are faithful about our surrender, then God will work in us and through us. The Bible says in Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure”. God has given us the gift of choice, and we have the power to control our actions. When Christ's character is reproduced in His people, then he will come to claim us as His own. And what a glorious day that will be! Let us each pray for a deeper desire to have Christ's character within us.
1 John 2:6 KJV - He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Romans 12:2 KJV - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Psalm 37:23 KJV - The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.