25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.
I just started a new job yesterday, but my reputation preceded me. My boss already has a good opinion of me, even before I have worked for him. Have you ever known someone even before you ever met them, their reputation, either good or bad, has preceded their arrival? This is especially prevalent today with email, IM, and cell phones. It only takes a moment to transfer information forward to your next circle of influence. For the ones with bad reputations, it is a very negative report and the consequences can be devastating. This devastation can be especially true when the report is false, made by someone with a grudge against you. And once the report has gone out and been received, it is very difficult to get back. And what is more frightening is the difficulty in correcting a false negative report. I have been on the end of some of those kinds of reports. I felt like David, knowing I was doing God’s will, and yet still being chased by someone with more power trying to destroy me. At those times, when retaliating was the natural reaction of my sinful being, I kept silent and gave room for God to work. In the end I was vindicated, but it was painful in the middle of that process. Paul points out that our good deeds stick out in a society of filth. They will often be misunderstood, but they are recognized by everyone, although they are not always acknowledged or attributed to the proper source. People see good deeds, but often, because of the conviction that good deeds bring, they are chalked up to something other than obedience to God. To acknowledge God’s work in your life would be to acknowledge God, something too many are not willing to do. So, today, think about the reputation you are sending forward to the future. It is shaped the way you want it? Are there parts of it that you want to change? Change them now, and you can reshape parts of your future.
The Arnold Journey 