1st Timothy 3:7. “Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” GOOD REPORT. His name is brought up in some public place – Opinions there are shared. Is he one who can be trusted to act without prejudice? Is he really one who cares?
So in the office or in a job, opinions are being found Of his qualities as a man, either trusted; Or are his ethics of work by those by those around abhorred? Can he with an important work be entrusted?
We can’t wait until one dies to learn what the public thinks. It is well when in conversation we hear a good report. If a man can let his character show as he cares for other’s things – Probably he can be trusted to deal with things of spiritual import.
I wonder what those who live around here would have to say about me. Would they stop if asked a question or would they walk away? Would the people next door or across the street consider me neighborly? Or would they figure I’m not interested in what they do and say?
The devil has a trap that entangles one and binds him into error – His tactics are to put serious pressure on And to make the disapproval of others his source of real fear. May a good report be true of those God sets this work upon.
“Holy God who knows all the activities of this day before me: I pray that any interaction I have with neighbors and people in this community, be such that they can give a good report. I thank Thee for hearing a good report of a young boy shortly before he was baptized – and for a good published report of a Christian civil-servant who had a good reputation. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”