Rebuilding Your ReputationSample

Rebuilding Your Reputation: Part IV

In this series, we are discussing how to rebuild your reputation. The Apostle Paul modeled three steps he took to rebuild his reputation.

The first step Paul used was to confess his mistakes. The second step was to do the hard work of rebuilding trust. The final step Paul used was to find an advocate. Jesus’ disciples didn’t want to meet, hear or see Paul. He had been their arch enemy.

Fortunately for Paul, he found an advocate in Barnabas. In Acts 9:27, we read, "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus."

Because the disciples trusted Barnabas, they gave Paul a chance. If you have a damaged reputation, have confessed your mistakes, have done the hard work of rebuilding trust, and really have changed, then find an influential advocate.

Questions for Reflection:  

• Have you ever been an advocate for another? Is there someone for whom God may be calling you to advocate?   
• Has another ever advocated for you? What was the result?   
• What qualities did Barnabas have that made him a good advocate for Paul?

Heavenly Father, You are all-knowing, yet You want us to confess our mistakes. You want us to do the hard work of rebuilding trust. You want us to work towards reconciliation. We confess this isn’t always easy for us; we’d rather sweep our mistakes under the rug and pretend they don’t affect anyone else. Thank you that when we confess our mistakes You are humble and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Recall for us now any mistake – intentional or unintentional – which we need to address. Help us move through Paul’s steps of restoring his reputation all for Your glory, Lord. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.

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