I Timothy 3:7  And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.    

    The Olympics are in full swing and many people love to watch. The marquee events are, of course, the most popular. But I have always been interested in the more obscure events. Whether they are involved in skeet shooting or table tennis, they are olympians. A basketball player may not understand a skeet shooter. They might not know what makes them tick. But I would guess there is a measure of respect for their dedication to their sport even if it’s not fully understood. 

    Paul was writing to Timothy regarding leadership in the church. Though that is the meaning of today’s verse and the surrounding passage, we may make a broader application to Christians in general. He says something interesting: we are to have a good reputation with those outside the church. How can that be? It surely can’t mean that we are to seek the approval of those who care nothing for God or His ways! (In fact, that’s one of the surest ways to fall into reproach and the snare of the devil, as Paul also mentions.)

    To have a good reputation could include many things, but it must encompass that the follower of Christ must be one person. Their Sunday morning persona must align with their Friday night persona - and vice versa. Otherwise we would rightly be called hypocrite. No hypocrite has a good reputation! Though we do not live our lives like those outside the church (we cannot), we live consistent lives. 

    We can also seek to a have a good reputation with those outside the church by seeking a reputation for good. If we are living for Jesus, we will also be living for others. Acts of kind-ness and selflessness are a real witness to others. Putting others before ourselves is an inherently Christ-like act. 

    Those outside the church may not understand us. They might not get what makes us tick. But if we are committed to living for Jesus and fully engaged in loving others like He does, we can have a reputation for doing good, and a good reputation.