Seek Character, Not Reputation
Our reputation before God and our reputation among men will often be different. In God’s view, our reputation should be based on the extent to which our words and deeds please Him (2 Cor 12:6, JNTC note). In other words, He evaluates us based on our character. For God, our character determines the reputation we have with Him.
Though we are not to ambitiously seek a prestigious reputation among people (Gal 5:26, Phillips with Barclay), yet, there are times when another’s blatant slander of us should be resisted because it could adversely affect the advance of God’s kingdom (Acts 16:37, ASB note). Even then, we should be as courteous as is possible in dealing with the slanderer (1 Cor 4:13, GW). Furthermore, we are not to ruin whatever good reputation we might have by making a big deal about a minor matter (Rom 14:16, CW).
Since our reputation is about how other people evaluate us – and not all will see us as the Lord does (1 Cor 2:14) – our reputation may switch from bad to good or vice versa (2 Cor 6:8, TNT). This cannot be controlled. Our focus should be on the reputation we have with God and those who evaluate as He does. For instance, a candidate for becoming a pastor/elder/overseer is to have a good reputation – i. e. he cannot validly be accused of living in an immoral way (Tit 1:6, AB). Likewise, a widow must have a reputation for good deeds that can be attested by others (1 Tim 5:10, AAT) while someone who habitually says wise things will develop a reputation for being wise (Prov 16:23, Message). They don’t ambitiously seek this prestigious reputation but it comes to them as they say and do what is right, what is wise, what is helpful in God’s eyes. They help others successfully navigate the storms of life. “Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests” (Epicurus).
If we remember His nearness, we will speak and act in ways that give us a reputation among believers, and, perhaps, among some unbelievers, for being reasonable (Col 4:5, Phillips). As D. L. Moody put it, “If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.”
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.