There are several ways to apply the word reproach, but I would like to focus in on one particular phrase you'll see, that is being above/beyond reproach.
There are two basic way to be above/beyond reproach
1) With respect to God:
Colossians 1:21-23 (NASB)
" 21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--
23if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister."
~You see we are counted "beyond reproach" in the mind of God because of the work Christ accomplished for us.
2) With respect to Man:
Philippians 2:14-16
"14Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
15so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
16holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain."
~You see we are to live lives such that we are "above reproach" in this world.
The first reproach is has been taken away for us by Christ, but I must ask... Are you "beyond reproach" with respect to God?
The second reproach is a little bit more tricky as we must still live in this "crooked and perverse generation" and it's not so easy. This is where the rubber meets the road and the real work (and obedience), for us, comes in. Pray, study, then obey... So, I must ask... How is you reproach-able-ness (is that even a word?) with respect to man coming?
Let me know.
May God bless you,
Patrick
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