I learnt several years ago about the importance of not wasting time and energy trying to defend yourself when people say things about you that aren’t right or situations are misconstrued in the wrong way because of people's own issues or their choice to take the low road.
God knows how to take care of our reputation and says, “He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies” (Psalm 23:5) Meaning He will cause us to prosper and do well right in front of those people who may be speaking or thinking negative things about us.
Joseph in the bible is a great example of God taking care of and restoring reputations. Joseph was mistreated by his brothers, sold as a slave, wrongly accused of a crime, and thrown in prison. Yet in all of this, he refused to stoop down to the level of his accusers and chose to excel even whilst in jail. Joseph worked on keeping his heart and attitude right before God and in one day he was taken from the prison to the palace and made Prime Minister of the whole nation. (Genesis 37:1-44:9)
Whenever we face opposition, people speaking against us, difficulties, and distractions, remember you don’t have to spend your energy guarding your reputation; God will do that for you. Rather spend your energy guarding your heart.
Don’t take the bait when people do and say things against you or behind your back. You can’t’ stop or always change people’s minds or talk about you, but God can.
Stay on the high road with a great attitude, trusting that at the right time God will defend your reputation and prepare a table of blessings, prosperity, and favour before you and at times, right in front of those who have spoken against you or underestimated who you are.
Jesus also experienced backlash, gossip, and the religious leaders speaking against him even when he was healing the sick, raising the dead, and setting people free. But he didn’t allow this to distract or take him off focus. Neither did he spend a whole lot of time and energy arguing or defending his actions – He didn’t say a word and remained focused on his assignment. (Matthew 27:12-14)
At some stage you too may have had or will have things said and done against you that you didn’t expect or see coming. I encourage you to keep the high road, have a good attitude, and remain focused on your destiny. Forget about guarding your reputation and guard your heart instead. (Prov 4:23)
For, "If God is for you, who can be against you... No weapon formed against you will prosper and all those who rise up against you will fall.” (Romans 8:31; Isaiah 54:17)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”. (Proverbs 4:23)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you defend my reputation so that I don't have to. Please help me to guard my heart against offense, unforgiveness, and hurt so that I can take the high road in every situation I face. In Jesus name Amen.