It's sometimes quite disconcerting when you are introduced to an apparent stranger and they come back with, 'Oh, Linda Bailey, I've heard about you.'

2 Corinthians 8.16-9.5

Reference:  v.18  And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Sometimes the world can seem such a small place.  While I would guess that I only have an average amount of friends it is amazing how many times I meet people and they have already heard of me.  It's sometimes quite disconcerting when you are introduced to an apparent stranger and they come back with, 'Oh, Linda Bailey, I've heard about you.'  It's at these times, when your name precedes you, that you are unsure whether you should be impressed or start defending yourself.

Application:  In this passage we hear Paul telling the Corinthians about his workers who are going to visit them.  It's almost like a running reference as he informs them of their validity and strengths in ministry. While I don't think we should live our lives just so we make a good impression on others, our lives can sometimes shine to others even if we haven't met them yet.  We never know the impact we have on others, even those we don't know.  This is all about living lives of integrity.  It doesn't matter if people know us intimately or not, if we are consistent in our faith and diligent in our Christ-like actions then we can stand proud, no matter what previous action is proclaimed by others.

Prayer:  Lord, you know each one of us intimately.  Our life was known to you before we took our first breath.  May we follow Your example and live lives worthy of your example.  Amen.

Do you think it's important to have your name seen in a positive light?