GOOD REPORT. 1st Timothy 3:7 One's testimony in a community adds weight to the testimony of an assembly. A good reputation outside the church influences the entire assembly. Outside opinion does matter to the work as a whole when a leader has a good reputation [Col.4:5; 1Thes.4:12] among reliable friends and good neighbors; that helps instead of hinders the work of the Lord.
A good reputation in the community where he lives is an important qualification for assembly leaders. A non-Christian should not be able to cause reproach to an elder because of his behavior in the community. Being spoken of well by neighbors and those with whom one conducts business is a good testimony that reflects positively on our Lord Jesus Christ and His people who gather in His name. Our conduct can support or hinder the testimony of other believers we associate with. This does not mean we should be isolated from those around us, but that our Christian testimony should be such that it acts as a light of righteousness and truth shining in the darkness of deceit and ungodliness.
His wisdom makes it natural to follow his authority. He is not a novice, not a “newly planted,” but someone of spiritual maturity. His leadership at home can be seen as admirable and dignified. He is firm in his decisions and is a blessing because he can be relied on to act with wisdom and compassion. A home is a smaller version of an assembly that is in order and practice. Both groups require rule and care. A novice is a recent convert who lacks experience in spiritual matters. He can be easily blinded by pride, which leads to a "fall." He may be a good man, but until maturity is clear, he is not qualified to lead.
When his name is mentioned publicly, opinions are shared. Can he be trusted to act without bias? Is he truly someone who cares for those around him, and can he be relied upon? In the office or on the job, people's perceptions form about his character. He is either trusted as a man of his word who does his fair share, or his work ethic is disliked by those around him. Can he be entrusted with a vital part of the work? We shouldn’t wait until after someone passes away to learn what the public thinks. It’s reassuring when we hear positive reports in conversation. If a man can let his character shine through when he cares for others’ affairs, he can probably be trusted to handle matters of spiritual importance.
I wonder what those living around here would say about me. Would they stop if I asked them a question, or would they walk away shaking their heads? Would the people next door or across the street consider me a neighbor, or would they think I’m not interested in what they do and have to say? The devil has a trap that entangles and binds a person into error. His tactics involve putting serious pressure on someone to make them say or do something they shouldn’t, and then making others disapprove publicly. This can be a source of real fear. May a good report be true of those whom God places in leadership.