What do you want people to think of when they hear your name?

I could argue that all of us want to be respected and thought of in a positive light when other people talk about us. Have you ever had a sinking feeling inside when you run into someone who says, “I was just talking to someone about you.”?

Why would that comment ever be disturbing? Well it might bother you if you don’t have the type of reputation that you’d like.

However, someone of great character would never have to worry when they hear that people have been talking about them. The question that I’m going to address today is about the type of character that it takes to live well with a great reputation.

To answer this question, I’d like to jump back into the Proverbs, and look at a short statement that I believes addresses this topic. And I really like the way that it reads in The Message…

Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.
Proverbs 3:3 – 4

The first thing that it points out is that we shouldn’t loose our grip on Love. So the first key to this whole thing is living with Love.

But what does this mean, especially in a business environment?

Love is more about the way that we value each other than anything else. Of course there are several different types of love, but the word used here is often translated as mercy or kindness. Even in the business world, we should value each other as human beings, and have an attitude of mercy, kindness, and love for each other.

This is about respect.

The second thing that this passage points out is that we should also hold on to Loyalty. Personally, I think that this stems from the Love that we should have for each other.

We first must look at people in such a way that we see their value, and then we must dedicate ourselves to each other’s causes.

Ideally in the workplace, this loyalty would help us to help each other achieve company (as well as relevant personal) goals. We must first have the proper attitude towards one another, but then we must also have a proper level of dedication towards one another.

This is about commitment.

This passage concludes by stating that not only does this type of attitude please God, but it also pleases man. Imagine the reputation that one would carry if they walked with a respect and commitment towards the people around them. It’s easy to see that this person would be very well liked, and carry a great reputation.

In knowing that you carry this type of reputation, you can carry a very special kind of confidence when you talk to and interact with other people. This type of character allows us to walk with a special joy and peace about who we are. With this type of character, it is easy to live well.

Questions to consider:

• What is your attitude towards the people around you?
• Do you look at them with mercy?
• How can you treat someone with kindness today?
• Is your heart for the people around a heart of love?
• Also, how committed are you to their success?
• How committed would THEY say that you are?
• What can you do today to show others that you are dedicated towards their success?
• Finally, think about how this type of approach to the people around you can help you to be a better leader.

See more from the management by God series!