REPUTATION
We all have a reputation, whether we like it or not. Whether we intentionally try to project a certain image or couldn’t care less what others think, people do form an opinion of us through our behaviour, personality or abilities. A good reputation can help us make friends and get jobs. A bad reputation can also help us make friends (with others of ill repute) or leave us isolated, shunned or disrespected. The Bible encourages us to build our reputation on solid character rather than on external image. A reputation built on image without substance eventually becomes a crumbling facade.

HOW CAN WE ACHIEVE A GOOD REPUTATION?

A GOOD REPUTATION COMES FROM OBEYING YAHVEH’S WORD.
“If you obey them carefully, you will display your wisdom and intelligence to the surrounding nations. When they hear about these laws, they will exclaim, ‘what other nation is as wise and prudent as this!’” (Deuteronomy 4:6) Some people work hard to make others think they are smart. The books they carry and the facts they quote are impressive. But Moses said that a reputation for wisdom comes by obeying YAHVEH’s Word. This may not be the easiest or most glamorous way to earn a reputation, but it is the most authentic. Do you fall into the trap of trying to make others think you are intelligent because of what you know or pretend to know? Obeying YAHVEH’s Word will give you a far greater reputation, because it’s not just what you know, but what you do that really counts.

A GOOD REPUTATION COMES FROM CONSISTENT LIVING.
“Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. ‘Why are you being so kind to me?’ she asked. ‘I am only a foreigner.’ ‘Yes, I know,’ Boaz replied. ‘But I also know about the love and kindness you have shown your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers.’” (Ruth 2:10-11) Ruth’s life exhibited admirable qualities: she was hardworking, loving, kind, faithful and brave. These qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she displayed them consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever she did, her character remained the same. Your reputation is formed by the people who watch you at work, in town, at home, in church. A good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities you believe in-no matter what group of people or surroundings you are in.

PURITY
HOW CAN OUR LIFE BECOME PURE?

TRUE PURITY COMES FROM RADICAL COMMITMENT.
“They completely destroyed everything in it; men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, donkeys; everything.” (Joshua 6:21) Why did YAHVEH demand that the Israelites destroy almost everyone and everything in Jericho? He was carrying out severe judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanites. This judgment or ban, usually required that everything be destroyed (Deuteronomy 12:2-3; 13:12-18). Because of their evil practices and intense idolatry, the Canaanites were a stronghold of rebellion against YAHVEH. This threat to the right kind of living that YAHVEH required had to be removed. If not, it would affect all Israel like a cancerous growth (as it did in the sad story told in the book of Judges). YAHVEH wants us to be pure. He wants us to clean up our behaviour when we begin a new life with Him. We must not let the desire for personal gain distract us from our spiritual purpose. We must also reject any objects that are reminders of a life of rebellion against YAHVEH.

TRUE PURITY COMES FROM THE HEART.
“How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious Law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy-full of greed and self-indulgence!” (Matthew 23:25) The Pharisees strained their water so they wouldn’t accidentally swallow a gnat; an unclean insect according to the Law. Meticulous about the details of ceremonial cleanliness, they nevertheless had lost their perspective on inner purity. Ceremonially clean on the outside, they had a corrupt heart. Yeshua condemned the Pharisees and religious leaders for outwardly appearing saintly and holy but inwardly remaining full of corruption and greed. Living our Christianity merely as a show for others is like washing a cup on the outside only. When we are clean on the inside, our cleanliness on the outside won’t be a sham.

TRUE PURITY COMES FROM YAHVEH.
“Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.” (John 17:17) A follower of HaMashiach becomes sanctified (set apart for sacred use, cleansed and made holy) through believing and obeying the Word of YAHVEH (Hebrews 4:12). He or she has already accepted forgiveness through HaMashiach’s sacrificial death (Hebrews 7:26-27). But daily application of YAHVEH’s Word has a purifying effect on our mind and heart. Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess, renews our relationship with HaMashiach and guides us back to the right path.

INTEGRITY
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT INTEGRITY?

INTEGRITY IS A LONG-TERM CHARACTER TRAIT.
“I’m asking you to give me the hill country that Adonai promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the Anakites living there in great, walled cities. But if Adonai is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as Adonai said.” (Joshua 14:12) Caleb was faithful from the start. As one of the original spies sent into the Promised Land (Numbers 13:30-33), he saw great cities and giants, yet he knew YAHVEH would help the people conquer the land. Because of his faith, YAHVEH promised him a personal inheritance of land (Numbers 14:24; Deuteronomy 1:34-36). Here, forty-five years later, the land was given to him. His faith was still unwavering. The integrity with which he had boldly contradicted the cowardly advice of the ten spies’ years before was as strong as ever. Although his inherited land still had giants, Caleb knew Adonai would help him conquer them. Like Caleb, we must be faithful to YAHVEH, not only at the start of our walk with Him, but through our entire lives. We must never allow ourselves to rest on our past accomplishments or reputations.

INTEGRITY IS BEING WHAT WE SAY WE ARE.
“May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in You.” (Psalm 25:21) If ever we needed two powerful forces to preserve us along life’s way, we need integrity and honesty. The psalmist asks for these to protect him step-by-step. Honesty makes us learn YAHVEH’s requirements and strive to fulfil them. Integrity; being what we say we are; keeps us from claiming to be honest while living as if we do not know YAHVEH. Honesty says, “This is the Shepherd’s way” and integrity says, “I will walk consistently in it."

ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT TESTS OF INTEGRITY IS WEALTH.
“Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” (Luke 16:10-11) Our integrity often meets its match in money matters. YAHVEH calls us to be honest even in small details we could easily rationalize away. Heaven’s riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth. But if we are not trustworthy with our money here (no matter how much or how little we have), we will be unfit to handle the vast riches of YAHVEH’s Kingdom. Don’t let your integrity slip in small matters and it will not fail you in crucial decisions either.