687) As a teacher of middle school kids, my students fluctuate between caring way too much about their reputations and not caring at all. As they grow older, many realize the value of having a trust-worthy reputation, sometimes the hard way. They will lament to me, “My parents will never trust me again.” This is a consequence of not valuing your reputation enough.

In Joshua 2:8-11, the people of Jericho know of the Israelites’ and their God’s reputation. This knowledge gives the children of Israel an advantage as they move into the Promised Land. It is, ultimately, what tips the scales in Israel’s favor.

Pondering this, I’ve wondered how this period of history would have gone if God’s people had a bad reputation. This, too, casts a long shadow.

In consideration of this tendency, it would be prudent to consider your reputation, though not controlled by it. A good reputation holds a lot of weight but so is a bad one.