I am finding out that I have a reputation. And for many that reputation is not good, and for some it is good. I confess to my friends that you may be talking to one Jeff and the next day another one may appear… because I have been unchurched, churched, and unchurched again… while seeking to remain faithful to Jesus. I liked Jesus even when I was unchurched.
I started coaching a basketball team this year. I love the kids but we lost the first game 35-13. Maybe the parents are wondering if there is another coach out there available? 
I consider my reputation…
My reputation is dirtied and soiled and imperfect. To some maybe a hero and to others someone who is no longer completely true to the calling.
I think maybe you know that your reputation has a similar story – most of the time based on very little true information.
I have given up control on what is thought of me, yet that battle can come every day as I may disappoint someone for some reason or another. I believe giving up control may be our real issue.
In the past 5 years of my street experience, I have learned not to jump to conclusions with people. Reputations reported by one about another are seldom accurate.
I just watched something on youtube from the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He read from the Bible and represented God better about his heart for Haiti than certain people who have huge audiences. I was thinking to myself, now that is weird and strange, but couldn’t help but see the Jesus message right there on a show where you may not expect it. These are the times we live in.
I can climb the heights of the applause of people and then feel the hard rock of the stones – that is humanity. What keeps me going in spite of the obstacles really I think is two things – the distinct call from Jesus to learn to live the incarnation and invite others in, and that Jesus was friends with people of low reputation in certain circles, like me, or maybe you.
It is not cheesy to say that Jesus may be the only one who stands beside us in the end, that He understands have a tarnished reputation and there will be a long long table we will all be sitting around at the end, sharing a big friendship meal under the big smile of the one who accepts us.
My philosophy is that it’s none of my business what other people think about me. That’s their business. And, God knows the truth…