We’ve all faced them.... You are standing in line at Universal Studios and the sign says “Children 9 and younger” get in at a reduced price. Your daughter just turned 10. What do you do? It’s the middle of the night and you pull up to a red light. You look left, right... nobody. In fact, there are no headlights to be found anywhere...other than yours. What do you do? Run the light or stay put? Too much change at a convenience store? An extra zero on your tax return?
Our reputation is based on choices such as these. What may seem like small decisions here or there actually determine many things. How do we see ourselves? Are we comfortable with past choices, our morality, or our closeness to God based on what we’ve decided in the past? How do others see us? What is our reputation around people that we partner with throughout the day? Do we set the example... or are we swayed by the popular or selfish thing to do?
Scripture talks about this in the book of Daniel…
“Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:
“Peace and prosperity to you!
“I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.
For he is the living God,
and he will endure forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and his rule will never end.” - Daniel 6:25-26
and he will endure forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and his rule will never end.” - Daniel 6:25-26
Daniel was an advisor to King Darius of the Persians and had an airtight reputation. Many of the nobles under the king spent a lot of time trying to find flaws in Daniel’s decision making... did he ever compromise what he knew to be right? Was he disloyal? Was he reflecting his God or himself? Did he make the right decision regardless of the cost or did he sell out to selfishness? They were convinced that Daniel’s reputation couldn’t be that spotless...
But it was. In fact, King Darius was so impressed with Daniel that he declared to all of his people that they should serve Daniel’s God! Daniel’s reputation for doing the right thing at all times reflected God’s character! His choices weren’t always easy...and they cost him in many ways... but he knew that to be a person who honored God, he had to do so in all areas of his life. You will have many decisions today... and many chances to reflect God in the way you handle them. Tread with wisdom. What you choose to do in the small things adds up...and the way others see you (and God) is affected.
