Dare to Believe

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Dare to Believe   CURRENT TV SERIES Angels

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)…   Acts 4:36 When people think about you, what are some characteristics that you believe come to their mind? If we’re really honest, you and I do care about our reputation. But the message we often hear today is, “Don’t worry what people think about you, just be yourself.” And while it’s okay to be rejected by others for the right reasons, there are many who believe they have a license to have a bad reputation because they’re just ‘being their self’. But did you know that God cares about your reputation? Proverbs 22:1 says “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” And Luke 2:52 makes it a point to say that Jesus increased “in favor with God and man.” Joseph was such an encourager that his friends began to call him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” So how are you known among your peers? When they think of you, are there impressions generally positive or negative? Gaining and keeping a good reputation takes time and effort. You have to invest relationally in people and be intentional in being someone whom they consider trustworthy. But that investment will pay huge dividends in the form of vibrant, sanctifying relationships! BUILD YOUR REPUTATION AS SOMEONE WHO IS EXCEPTIONALLY TRUSTWORTHY. The Silence of the Saviour by Dr. Paul Chappell “And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.” Luke 23:8–10 There is an interesting contrast in the story of the response of Jesus to the two leaders who examined Him on the day of His crucifixion. Jesus interacted with Pilate, answering his questions and pointing out that it was His submission to God’s plan and not the soldiers of Rome that had brought Him to the cross. “Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin” (John 19:11). Yet when He was sent to Herod, Jesus did not respond to the king at all. Herod wanted Jesus to put on a demonstration for him, like a magician entertaining an audience. But the evil king had already had an opportunity to receive the truth from John the Baptist. Instead of repenting however, he responded by cutting off the head of the prophet who had the courage to criticize him for his immoral behavior. Since Herod had already rejected the truth, He did not receive any further instruction. God owes us nothing, but He does present us with the opportunity to respond to Him. He does not promise, however, to continually extend those opportunities if we refuse to respond. It is a matter of stewardship. There is no reason to expect more from God if we are not using what we already have. “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11). Today’s Growth Principle:  If we do not respond to the truth we already have, we have no reason to expect further truth.