(Philippians 2:7) Jesus made himself of no reputation.

As humans we want to have a respectful and good “reputation” in the eyes of unbelievers. 

We only want to share or minister the gospel of Jesus Christ in our communities in a way that we will not damage our “reputation.” 

We always want people to say good things about us. We do not want to create any personal or spiritual conflict.

The problem is the message of Jesus Christ being Lord will always lead to a spiritual conflict between God’s and Satan’s kingdoms.

Unbelievers will not like the message or you. 

Your upright “reputation” could easily be damaged.  

In light of this truth, many churches and Christians find themselves in a real-life tension: Will they choose silence in order to keep a good, respectable “reputation” in the eyes of unbelievers? 

When Jesus—the eternal Word of God—became human, Philippians 2:7 tells us that he made himself of “no reputation” or emptied himself. 

He did not live or minister with the motive to be liked, or gain a great reputation among the Jewish society—especially among the religious leaders of his day.

When we read through the life and ministry of Jesus, it is clear that he was not concerned about his reputation, what others thought about him. Yes, he was compassionate and kind, but he did not remain silent or non-confrontational in order to maintain some social or religious  “reputation.” 

Jesus made no effort to keep a good “reputation” among the religious leaders of his day. He actually called the Pharisees a bunch of snakes. Believe me, after that he didn’t receive any invitations to attend the religious leaders’ banquets.

I bring this up because just yesterday, the pastor of a local church told me that he did not want me to teach about another religion (who claims to be Christian) held by many in our city, because it could hurt the good “reputation” of his church.

He stated that they had worked so hard to build up the “reputation” of the church in the community that he didn’t want to damage it. 

I was shocked by this. 

From a New Testament perspective, do we want to maintain a good “reputation” in the eyes of the world, or do we want to obey the great commission of Jesus Christ. 

We can’t do both. 

Of course, we should share the gospel with compassion and kindness, but the fact is, it is the message itself that will create conflict in the spiritual realm. 

The message of sin, false teaching, the cross, repentance etc will always bring spiritual conflict in a fallen world and among unbelievers.

Are you concerned about your “reputation?” 

Think about this.

Are you concerned about what your neighbors and others might say about you?

Or, are you more concerned about what God thinks about you? 

When you meet Jesus face to face one day, what will he say to you?

Will he say, “good and faithful servant?”