Being above reproach...is not a trivial matter...

In order to clearly understand what being above reproach means we must first understand what reproach actually is.

We get a clear definition of this from Webster’s 1828:

REPROACH, noun

1. Censure mingled with contempt or derision; contumelious or opprobrious language towards any person; abusive reflections; as foul-mouthed reproach

2. Shame; infamy; disgrace.

3. Object of contempt, scorn or derision.

4. That which is the cause of shame or disgrace.

Sexual impurity puts one in perpetual reproach and should be avoided at all costs.

But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. Proverbs 6:32-33

Simply put, living a life of righteousness is the means of staying above reproach.

Sin whether open or in secret is not just deserving of reproach but eternal death is the actual deserved penalty.

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Romans 2:12-16

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

One who does not avoid being above reproach cannot confidently ask God to remove the reproach that is brought on by their questionable actions and behavior. Not only is their relationship with men tarnished bur more importantly their relationship with God is potentially in jeopardy. It is a very serious matter indeed.

… Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.

Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.

Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.

Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. Psalm 119:17-24

The surefire way to staying above reproach is to abstain from not just evil but all appearances of evil. Giving the impression of potential impropriety is deserving of reproach. This is why we should care very much “what other people think” about us contrary to the popular worldly mantra that we should do the exact opposite.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17

So staying above reproach really is not a trivial or optional matter for a believer.

Being above reproach is something that must be done at all times because we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ!