Good Report

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians chapter 4:8 

We live in a world where characters, behaviors, and social relationships with people are taken note of by men. A person’s high standing among others, dignity, good name, honor, prestige, reputation, repute, respect, and status are critically examined by people around you.

However, Some Christians are in the habit of saying ”I don’t care what people say about me; what matters most is what God says about me”. You may be right and you may be wrong in some ways because your character as a Christian depicts who you are in the body of Christ.

The Bible says Jesus Christ was moving from one place to another doing good. He has a good relationship with people and He had a good report from people. There was a time He asked His disciples this question, who do men say that I am?

We all know the responses of His disciples, no one gives a bad report concerning Him.

If two or more people are pinpointing a particularly bad attitude or character about you as a believer, you need to look inward and make amendments to it immediately. All heroes of the Bible have a good report. Hebrew 11:39

Hear what Paul says about Ananias in Act 22:12

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there

Ananias was a devoted man (Christian). He lived rightly and all Jews had good reports about him. No man could lay accusations against him, even Paul was boastful of him to other brethren that are with him.

Let me ask this question: can you boast of good reports about yourself from people you have had connections with?

As of today, you should be able to talk of good reports with people or organizations you have had connections with either year ago or presently. Nobody should lay hold on negative reports against you.

Let me show you another man named Demetrius who had a good report from people in 3 John 1:12

Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record, and know that our record is true.

All men had good and godly things to say about Demetrius. He was a man of good report. What people say about you matters a lot. However, you should not live a hypocritical life to please men but live a life that is worthy of Glory to the name of the Almighty God.

Don’t live your life as if it doesn\’t matter. Live a life of good and godly character and behavior and have a good report at the end.

Philippians chapter 4:8 further gave criteria and virtues that could be of help to us

Things are true – engage only in true things. Whatsoever you are having a second thought that it might not be true, kindly flee from such, it may deter your image.

Things are honest – in any situation, you find yourself, be honest. Honestly paves the way.

Things are just – be right and in the right standing

Things that are pure – anything that is not pure and will definitely stain you.

Things that are lovely – be lovely and loveable

Things that are of good report – good report caps it all.

I encourage you today, to keep putting into practice all you have learned about the character of our Lord Jesus Christ and other apostles of faith. May the God of peace will be with you. Amen.