Reputation

Jesus made himself of no reputation. He didn't worry about what others thought when He was hanging around the unknowns, that He allowed a prostitute to wash His feet, that no one believed Him or that He went to the places that no one wanted to go to. He loved the unlovely and the lovely.Jesus did what God called Him to do:to be the light of the world and bring salvation for everyone. He showed no favoritism to a certain person or crowd; He loved unconditionally. He wasn't concerned if He was recognized or honored for the miracles that He performed. He didn't try to be someone else, let others persuade Him off track, manipulate things to go His way or do more good things for people to follow Him. People spat on Him, called Him names and even His friends denied Him in His time of need.
What is your reputation or are you making yourself of no reputation? Are you known for things that you do, for being negative, a gossiper, and one who goes along with the crowd even when you know it's not what God wants? Or, are you trying to be more like Jesus standing firm in His truth in the calling on your life even when you're the one being called names, being judged, not getting recognized for your work, or ideas just getting passed by? In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said, If you desire to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Also, He tells us in Matthew 8:21-22 "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." We are to imitate Jesus and what He did. Yes, we are still in the flesh and we will fall short, but when we are daily walking, seeking Him we don't fall short as often.
I think the question now is do I care more about my reputation or being obedient to follow Jesus' example of living out my calling while here in this world? What about you?
" You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37