What are you known for?

What are you known for? A simple question, yet one that can dig deep into a soul. When people think of you, what comes to mind? What does the world think of you?

I have the things I want to be known for. Things like loving Jesus, being a conservative champion, a writer, someone who enjoys deep conversation. I want to be known as adventurous, kind, merciful, truthful. Someone you can rely on, someone who is there for you and to point you back to Christ.

Am I known this way? Sometimes.

However, I can think of things that more people think of when they hear my name. Argumentative, sarcastic, rushed. Bossy, scared, lazy. Sinful. Unfortunately, what I want to be known for isn’t always what I’m actually known for. I’m sure that is true of everyone.

We could realize this, and simply live a discouraged life, accepting the fact that we’ll never actually be known for the things we want to be known for. We could do that, but the beautiful thing about this life is that we don’t have to be content with our current situations, the discrepancies between what you want to be known for and what you ARE known for.

Ultimately, it starts by realizing that unless you are seeking the applause of God over the applause of man, your life is still in vain. Galatians 1:10 spells it out perfectly, saying, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

First, you have to realize who you’re ultimately known by. Take heart! Once you realize this, you can start moving forward. We weren’t meant to live a stagnant life. If you have goals and dreams, things you want your life to reflect and be shaped by, dedicate it to God and then start changing your life. We are not unmoldable, unmoveable. As human beings, we can constantly become better, a more brilliant version of ourselves.
Chase God, work to change your life. Constantly ask yourself what you are known for to those around you, and if it’s what you want to be known for. One day, you might look around and realize that those two lists are identical.