What other scriptures emphasize the importance of a leader's reputation? Anchoring Verse 1 Timothy 3:7: “Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.” Wisdom Passages on a Good Name • Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.” • Ecclesiastes 7:1: “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of one’s death better than the day of one’s birth.” • Proverbs 25:26: “Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.” Old Testament Examples of Reputable Leadership • Exodus 18:21: “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them over the people …” • Nehemiah 7:2: “… for he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most.” Early Church Standards • Acts 6:3: “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom …” • Acts 16:2: “The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy.” • Acts 10:22: “… Cornelius the centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation …” Parallel Qualifications for Elders • Titus 1:6-8: “… An elder must be blameless … he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” Guarding the Witness of the Gospel • 2 Corinthians 8:20-21: “We hope to avoid any criticism … we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” • 1 Peter 2:12: “Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that … they may see your good deeds and glorify God …” • Philippians 2:15: “… so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation …” Practical Counsel for Daily Conduct • Colossians 4:5: “Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:12: “… so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.” • Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” |
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