A few good men...

[Barb]

Hear ye the Word of the Lord...

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom... (Acts 6:3).

It would seem that the closer we get to the coming of the Lord, the more honorable God's people would become. Alas, tis not the case with everyone.

Though men and women claim to understand the seriousness of the hour, there yet remains the mindset that "I am above the law of God!!" They mistakenly think that it is merely "man's rule" they are breaking, and thus are not subject to obey.

But hear the cry of my heart...God is compelling us through His Spirit and His Word to walk honorably, having a good report, full of the Spirit AND wisdom.

The Amplified Bible reads, Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good and attested character and repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom...

Just what is our character and reputation among men?!

Does our name denote integrity and that which speaks of honor?! When our name is mentioned, is it spoken with respect?! Can we be trusted to speak the truth in all matters and hold a confidence?!

Or does our name cause a raised eyebrow and a sneer?! Is our reputation one of an argumentative spirit and arrogant attitude?! Is our name synonymous with lies and deceit?!

We can't live shabby lives and walk and talk any old way, and think we are pleasing God. We may be hiding our hand and think that we are pulling the wool over the eyes of the masses, but we are just fooling ourselves.

Today God is calling for a few good men and women of honest report...those who choose to stand for right and speak the truth in all things. While the opportunity is yet afforded to us, shall we not make the right choices and be converted in all our ways?!

How tragic it will be to stand in that day, and say, "Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles..." only to hear the Master say, "You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil." (Matthew 7:22-23).
TLB

Today if you will hear His voice...

[A_PoMo]

True. True. But unfortunately when you stand for righteousness your "reputation" many times goes down the tubes, even your reputation among church people. A good reputation with men isn't necessarily synonomous w/good character and godliness.

I certainly agree with this in principle though.

[GodsBabyGirl]

Originally Posted by A_PoMo

True. True. But unfortunately when you stand for righteousness your "reputation" many times goes down the tubes, even your reputation among church people. A good reputation with men isn't necessarily synonomous w/good character and godliness.

I certainly agree with this in principle though.

I agree, PoMo. This is good in principle, but the fact is that the character of every Bible believing man and woman of God is going to come under attack at some point in their walk with God. Jesus Himself said beware when ALL men speak well of you.

The religious folks found something wrong with Jesus Christ, and undoutedly, will find something wrong with those who live godly as well.

I find now when folks are talking or if your reputation is shot, that means you are undoubtedly doing something right.

So I don't judge any man after the flesh. Reputation and report, imo, is FLESHLY judgment. Because where does the two come from?

The mouths of men, most of the time, religious men.

I know personally I don't look to man to tell where I am at with God.

I look to God, but He judges after the spirit. And those who judge righteous juidgment, they are the ones who got it right on the nail!

Peace

[Sister Alvear]

That is a very good post Barb. Sometimes people may not agree with us but if we conduct ourselves in a godly manner it will make a difference how they speak of us.

Yes, it is true that at some time we will be evil spoken of...however the world at large will know what we are even when some may speak evil of us.

Sometimes as leaders those we correct will not take correction and speak evil of us but time will reveal the facts...

It hurts when those we try to help speak evil of us but we are no better than our master...
Time teaches us lessons...sometimes we help with a good heart and people take advantage of our kindness and walk on us...but that is ok...we should not stop loving because of some misguided soul.

I received a sad e mail from a young girl this past week. She used to have "standards" but went another way. We continue to be good friends...during this time many have said this and that about her...when she wrote me her decision...I cannot copy my reply to her as it is too personal but I let her know whatever choice in life she makes she is still my friend. I meant those words too.
Since she has told me about people who come face to face with her and turn the other way not to speak...
Beloved, above all we MUST be Christians...and the Bible gives us guidelines about things like this.
In 40 years on the field there have been only a few that I felt that were beyond help and love.

Those that speak evil of us usually would like to be us!

[Barb]

Understanding that we should beware when men all men speak well of us, my main focus, perhaps ineptly posted, was not when our good is evil spoken of.

My concern is when our rep is tainted due to our own inability or unwillingness to stand for right or do that which is right.

What a sad thing it is to not have a good name or an honest report because our character is flawed.

Perhaps this is not making sense, and I shouldn't post on meds...

[A_PoMo]

Originally Posted by Barb

Perhaps this is not making sense, and I shouldn't post on meds...

Maybe that's my prob too. I take meds every day. Maybe it shows.

Good post though.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Barb

Understanding that we should beware when men all men speak well of us, my main focus, perhaps ineptly posted, was not when our good is evil spoken of.

I think that we need only beware if the things spoken for or against us have any vailidty to them. The Bible tells us to beware fo a constant flatterer [Proverbs], and it also says to pray for those who speak against you [N.T.]

My concern is when our rep is tainted due to our own inability or unwillingness to stand for right or do that which is right.

Standing up for the 'right' is different from standing up for what we think is right. If we stand up for any word written in the Bible we will never go wrong.

What a sad thing it is to not have a good name or an honest report because our character is flawed.

As Jo, in Little Women, once said, "We are all hopelessless flawed". Character flaws can often be corrected but it is the devil's business to drag up the past. If we are openly honest about our failures as well as our strengths, I think people can appreciate us more. God is a reparier and restorer of reputations.

Perhaps this is not making sense, and I shouldn't post on meds...

It makes perfect sense, although I will caution you, when you are on meds you think about things that maybe should be left to rest.

Blessings, Rhoni

[missdkendall]

This has left me spellbound. Great post!

[DividedThigh]

maybe there are two ways to be viewed , by others it is always good to be viewed as honorable and a good person, and by god, better to be judged honorable by god, i think, dt