INTRODUCTION

Undoubtedly, there are many personal traits that serve as the building blocks for a good reputation. Yet, the scripture plainly identifies one particular trait that serves as the cornerstone of a good reputation: Faith! Hebrews chapter 11, commonly known as the “Hall of Faith,” chronicles how the saints of old developed good reputations by and through faith. Though these men and women performed great works, the works were accomplished through faith. The Bible plainly declares that it was by faith that “the elders obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:1-2 [1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
See All...). To reemphasize this truth, the Lord repeated this thought in Hebrews 11:39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
See All... when He said, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith.”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Barnabas lived a life of faith (Acts 11:24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
  See All...). He helped the early church (Acts 4:36-37 [36] And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, [37] Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  See All...), urged people to do right, taught them, and could be trusted (Acts 11:22-30 [22] Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. [23] Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. [24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. [25] Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: [26] And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. [27] And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. [28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. [29] Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: [30] Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
  See All...). He also gave a second chance to Christians who failed (Acts 15:36-40 [36] And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do. [37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. [38] But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. [39] And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; [40] And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): How could faith give the elders a good report among other believers? How do you feel about those you know who are faithless or unbelieving? How does their conduct harm their reputation?
• Do you know someone who lives a life of faith? What is your opinion of that person? How should you live your life? How would that change your reputation?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you see the tie between faith and the right reputation.
• Ask the Lord to give you strong faith.

HYMN

FAITH IS THE VICTORY

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