In a small town, everybody knows everybody’s business. At least it seems that way. For better or for worse, when something goes down in a small town, word gets around. Quickly.
When you break up with your middle school girlfriend, it gets around.
When you buy a new car or bigger house, it gets around.
When you switch churches, it gets around.
When you accomplish something, it gets around.
When you do something wrong to someone, it gets around.
Alas, it’s nearly impossible to do something, say something, not do something or not say something in a small town without everybody in your circle finding out before the sun goes down. When you slip up and screw up, this can be pretty embarrassing. When you win or succeed, you get a lot of atta boys.
So whether you like it or not, small town living teaches you to live with the reality:
You only get one reputation. You’d better guard it well.
I think this perspective has served me well as an adult, and especially as a pastor:
I won’t sell out my reputation for any amount of money, success, or pleasure.
The book of Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the enduring value of a good name. Living in a small town helps you stay keenly aware:
Your sin affects others. And what is done in the darkness will eventually be brought to light. In Moncks Corner, there’s a pretty quick turn around time.
I understand that striving to have a good reputation can quickly turn into image management. Because my ministry is public, I have to learn how to live with the fact that from time to time people will misquote, misunderstand, and misjudge me. Jesus was born in a small town. And the people never truly saw Him for who He was. He didn’t waste His time trying to win their approval. He simply kept doing the will of His Father. And at the end of His life, not even His accusers could find anything valid to condemn Him for. He lived with perfect integrity. His reputation stands eternally. He is the blameless and glorious Son of God. And through faith, His reputation and righteousness is ours.
I can’t live my life for the approval of others. And if you make popular opinion your ultimate measure of success, misery is inevitable.
But, take it from this small town boy: what goes down gets around.
Prioritize the importance of a good reputation. You only get one.