Exyle

Integrity and Character vs. Reputation

How important is image and reputation in life?  It’s interesting when you think about it sometimes. Someone’s image as the President of the United States, or a celebrity, or a member of the clergy, or even a sports coach or a parent all have an image and reputation that they live by. They are given this image and reputation by us…the public, to child, the mentee, etc. We put these people on a pedestal or are even put there by ourselves. Yet are these images or the reputations given to these individuals, or yourself for that matter, deserving or even true. Often we find out the hard way when the image does not fit with the person. How often does society make people out to be that which they are not? It is unfortunate when this happens against are control and lies and deceit are started. In today’s media driven society, if you are in the light, people are always trying to bring you down or want to know every last thing about you. They put you on this pedestal, creating an image of you they may or may not be real, and forget that you are human and make mistakes. No one is perfect.

Anyways, the point is, in the end it doesn’t matter what other people think. Especially those who don’t take the time to get to know you. As long as you are true to yourself and those closest to you, then that is the best you can do. Be true to your character and your soul, and don’t give into what others make of you or say. Let people know you for who you truly are your character and not by an image or your reputation. William Hersey Davis wrote the following about the difference between character and reputation. Take heed to it and make sure you are doing the right thing:

• The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation…
• The truth you believe determines your character…
• Reputation is what you are supposed to be;
• Character is what you are…
• Reputation is a photograph;
• Character is the face…
• Reputation comes over one from without;
• Character grows up from within…
• Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community;
• Character is what you have when you go away.
• Your reputation is made in a moment;
• Your character is built in a life time…
• Your reputation is learned in an hour;
• Your character does not come to light for a year…
• Reputation grows like a mushroom;
• Character lasts like eternity…
• Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor;
• Character makes you happy or makes you miserable…
• Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone;
• Character is what the angels say about you before the throne of God.

Make sure you live a good life with a character of value and worth. It is who you are. The person you see when you look in the mirror. The person you are when no one is around or looking. It’s the person that only you truly know and only you can find. Besides D.L. Moody wrote, “If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself.” Find out who you are inside. Listen and follow your heart. “Many succeed momentarily by what they know; some succeed temporarily by what they do; but few succeed permanently by what they are.” Being honest and true to yourself my not be the easiest road but it is the “only” road that will get you to where you truly want to go.