A Godly Reputation

A good reputation is something to be valued. The camp cook works hard at cooking comfort food for the campers. Often a camper's smile is sufficient reward for all the hard work and dedication to her culinary duties.

Few camp cooks expect riches from feeding children and adults in the camp setting. Even though many are paid for their labor, they understand that a kind thank you for a meal enjoyed is its own reward.

"Camp Cook Queen Irene Bakos will make sure we don't loose weight during the week," reported the March 2002 Kentucky Camp Chronicle. She fed a large group of volunteers who'd gathered at the remote historic site in Colorado National Forest in Southern Arizona in April 2002.

I'm sure the writer was saying Bakos would serve ample portions to the hard working crew who worked long hours at physical labor. I trust Bakos was able to satisfy those big appetites.

A good reputation is something you work toward. The camp cook chooses -- and desires -- a good reputation.

A GODLY REPUTATION IS TO BE DESIRED

Solomon understood that one's reputation carries more weight than worldly treasures. As a man with much God-given wisdom, Solomon was "wiser than all men" (1 Kings 4:29-31). Solomon wrote:

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth,
Favor is better than silver and gold (Proverbs 22:1).

You desire a good name because it's "better than precious ointment" (Ecclesiastes 7:1). To the the God-fearing person, "riches and honor and life" come from "humility and the fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 22:4).

The Christian desires a name (or reputation) that is based on God. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

Everyone wants people to say good things about them. The name we earn through our character and righteous actions are valued more than riches, which only bring momentary fame.

As a camp cook, I don't want to be know as the guy who scorches the country gravy and burns the biscuits. My reputation is built on my ability to prepare and serving delicious meals. I value time-honored culinary techniques over sloppy practices.

Like the camp cook who homes his culinary skills, the Christian works at developing Godly character and righteous behavior. As a Christian, I value a name that is based on God's righteousness.