Yesterday in our morning service we spoke of the matter of the believer’s reputation. Our text was from the book of Ecclesiastes:
Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
“A good name” is the matter of reputation, while “precious ointment” speaks of image. Surely today the value regarding this matter is reversed. We have become a very “image” conscious culture. We have seen it as our Hollywood idols and even politicians have worked so hard to created their images while they make no effort to be people of morality and character. They even at times seem to flaunt their immorality. It could be said that the root of a good image is character except that today we live among a culture that does not hold or require that standard. Today the issue is talent, skill, or savvy ideas, character completely aside.
I guess we are not surprised that the world has gone that way but when the same standards begin to invade our churches it is a sad day indeed. I think that you will unfortunately find it true that within our churches today there is a greatly increasing focus on image and a diminished commitment to character and behavior. I am not suggesting that we don’t paint our buildings and mow our lawns, but I am saying that we have a great obligation to do the work of the heart and produce the fruits of righteousness for God’s glory. We do need a renewed emphasis on being a godly people.
