My father was a builder, so I grew up watching houses under construction. I learned several things in the process: a sturdy house requires a firm foundation, the “footprint” of a house can be deceptive (during early construction the house looks smaller than it really is), and it takes time to achieve the finished product.
Constructing a solid reputation by the example you set is somewhat like building a house. At first glance, it may appear that little things—actions and words—don’t matter, but they do. If you don’t take time to anchor deep through Bible study and prayer, your foundational support is shaky. And like bricks and mortar, it takes years of godly living—one action and word on top of another—to produce a Christ-like example.
Somebody’s Watching You
Often, we have the mistaken idea that we’re invisible to most of the people around us. But folks are more observant than we imagine, especially if our actions don’t mirror what we say. While it may not seem fair, Christians are under greater scrutiny and held to higher standards than those who are silent about their faith or claim to believe nothing at all. Sometimes it feels like others are just waiting for us to mess up so they can point out our failures. But we shouldn’t guard our actions, attitudes, and words merely for the sake of not being criticized. Scripture reminds us our example may draw others to Christ. That should be a major motivator.
Who is your Role Model?
When a builder constructs a house, he goes by a blueprint or set of drawings. An architect puts hours into taking measurements, routing plumbing and wiring, designing rooms for convenience and traffic flow, and checking engineering aspects, like whether a wall can bear the weight of the floor above, before issuing the drawing for construction. If the builder doesn’t look at the drawings frequently, the house may end up with structural problems and a less-than-pleasing appearance. Likewise, if we don’t consult God’s blueprint, the Bible, we can easily end up with a life full of inconsistencies.
If you took a random, on-the-street survey of who people admire and pattern themselves after, you’d probably hear everything from rock stars to millionaires to sports icons. However, scripture instructs us to look to Christ and those who are spiritually mature as our role models. Adults are not the only ones who are role models. In fact, teens often model their lives based on their observation of peers, so the example you set for others matters. You may be the only example of Christ a non-believer ever sees.
The Lure of the World
When a house is put out for bids, contractors give an estimate based on their cost for materials and labor, and factor in a profit. Usually, there is a wide range of bids. The lowest bid it not always the best choice because in order to build the house for a lower price, the contractor has to cut expenses by using cheaper, and sometimes inferior, materials or less skilled laborers. Once finished, the house may look great from the curb, but soon problems crop up. The plumbing leaks. The ceilings crack. The floor isn’t level or the heating system is inadequate.
When we cut corners in our spiritual development or compromise God’s laws and commandments, our lives begin to resemble substandard housing. We may look impressive on the outside, but inside we’re just as guilty and sinful as someone who is living life on their own terms. Scripture reminds us to live in the world without adopting the patterns of the world. (Romans 12:2) This is really hard to do because the sinful part of our nature wants to be popular and fit in with those around us. But if we follow Christ’s example, we’ll have a different set of priorities.
What’s in a Name?
Over the years, my father earned a longstanding reputation for constructing solid houses that didn’t fail over time. Although he died years ago, people still tell me how well-constructed his houses are and how thankful they are to live in a house he built. Because he didn’t cut corners with quality in construction and set an example of honesty and integrity with his life, his name and good reputation live beyond his lifetime.
Although many don’t realize it, believers who set poor examples damage their personal reputations, as well as the reputations of all Christians. Actions really do speak louder than words and Satan is a master at deceiving us into believing we’re justified in using any methods necessary to reach a desired goal. But, if you profess to be a Christian, your actions and attitudes should reflect Christian principles. When we faithfully set an example that employs wise decisions based on Biblical principles, our lives mirror our commitment to Christ. Others notice and are challenged to live their lives in the same way.
Ultimately, your reputation is all you’ve got. What people remember most is not how much money you have, what you look like, or what you accomplish in school, sports, business, or society. They remember whether your name equals honesty and integrity and whether your name and “Christian” mean the same thing. Bearing the name “Christian” is an awesome privilege and responsibility. You have the opportunity to establish a solid foundation on Jesus, the Rock, and, over time, to construct your example one godly decision after another.
Like the early “footprint” of a house, the example your life sets is larger and more far-reaching than you imagine. Choose wisely as you build a reputation that resembles the Master Builder’s design.
