Public Relations

Public relations (PR) is the practice of deliberately managing the release and spread of information between an individual or an organization (such as a business, government agency, or a nonprofit organization) and the public in order to affect the public perception. (Wiki)

Proverbs has a lot to say how the person of God is to live towards other people and how the world around us should see us.

A Good Reputation Enhances Public Relations

Note: Paul wrote to Timothy 1 Timothy 3:2 that if a man desired to be a pastor he was to be “above reproach” and deacons were to be “men of dignity”. This requirement is a lofty standard even for those called to be pastors or church leaders but it is essentially for all of us. Above reproach (anepilemptos) is to not be deserving of criticism, innocent, a person of integrity. Men of dignity is (semnos) worthy of respect.

1. Proverbs 11:10 “When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.”

2. Proverbs 28:12 “When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.”

3. Proverbs 20:6-7 “Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? A righteous man who walks in his integrity — how blessed are his sons after him.”

4. Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.”

TRANS: Our reputation is not simply how we are perceived but who we are when no one else is looking. When you and I learn from Christ and allow His transforming work to be accomplished people see a reputation they cannot deny. Some may hate you for it but for the most part a good reputation is the glue that holds a good life together.

5 Good Practices that can produce good relationships.

1. Being gracious and compassionate

Proverbs 12:10 “A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, but even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.”

Proverbs 14:31 “He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.”

2. Be Good To others.

Proverbs 16:7 “When a mans ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

3. Stop Arguing

Proverbs 25:24 “It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious wife.”

Proverbs 19:13, 27:15 “. . . and the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping.” “A constant dripping on a day of steady rain And a contentious woman are alike.”

4. Start telling others about Jesus

Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls.”

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely that God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. . .”

Acts 1:8 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

5. Spiritually Grow with others.

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.”

CLOSE: So, how are your public relations? Does your reputation need repair? Do you need any of the wisdom of proverbs applied to your relationships?

The way Good relationships are produced always begins with me! Is my purpose to let Christ live in me so that I would decrease and He would increase. Is it my desire to embrace the life of Jesus who came to serve and not to be served?