The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; Ps 9:16NKJV

And a fool’s voice is known by his many words. Eccl 5:3NKJV

For every tree is known by its own fruit. Luke 6:43-44 NKJV

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Prov 20:11KJV

What are the following Bible characters remembered for?

* Moses
* Deborah
* David
* Bathsheba
* Jezebel
* Esther
* Pilate
* Judas
* Paul

What are you known for?  Think about it for a minute.  How would others describe you?

· Would it be accurate?

· Is that what you want to be known for?

· Can you change it?

· How are you going to change it? Your reputation is very important because…

R.eputation

I.nfluences

P.otential

So what is your reputation in the church, community and business world?  Because your reputation will determine how people respond to your leadership. What you can accomplish for God will depend a great deal on how people perceive you. Do you have a reputation for the following leadership characteristics found in Romans 12:3-21? Do you have a reputation for being…

Humble: (Vs. 3-5) “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Someone who uses her gifts: (Vs. 6-8) “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

Devoted to serving and loving others: (Vs. 9-10) “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Passionate about serving: (Vs. 11) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Prayerful; (Vs. 12) “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

A generous, giving person: (Vs. 13) “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Careful in your responses: (Vs. 14-21)

· Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

· Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

· Live in harmony with one another.

· Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

· Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

· If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

· Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. NIV

If you’re going to have a reputation, it’s best to have a reputation that corresponds with the attributes found in Romans 12. Unfortunately, it’s not just going to happen by accident. You and I are human after all, and some of our natural responses, are well… probably not going to be of leadership quality.  In every situation, in every interaction, it’s important for you and I to check our responses. We need to check our attitude, our answers, and even our tone of voice and non-verbal signals. Being a leader isn’t easy. It’s especially difficult to be a woman in leadership. But nothing of any real value is easy.  And woman of God, you are valuable.  All your efforts will be worth it in the end.  Remember: R.I.P.

Posted under Pastor's Wives