Reputation Vs. Character

“Character is the one thing we make in this world and take with us into the next. 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 what you have when you come to a new community; Character is what you have when you go away. Reputation is made in a moment; Character is built in a lifetime. Reputation grows like a mushroom; Character grows like an oak. Your reputation is learned in an hour; Your character is does not come to light for a year. A single newspaper report gives your reputation; a life of toil gives you your character. 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 angels say about you before the throne of God. Your character is what God knows you to be. Your reputation is what men think you are” (William Hershey Davis).

As a child of God, are you more concerned about building your reputation or your character?  Be careful about focusing on your reputation instead of your character.  While both can be important, efforts directed toward being a person of godly character can pay greater dividends.  A reputation can be a fickle thing.  It can be built or destroyed very quickly.  Character is a more long term endeavor.  A reputation is usually based on external actions or words so it is more easily faked than character.  Character is an internal issue that, oddly enough, is more difficult to mask.

Let’s make it our aim to have a proven character.  “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3–5).

God loves you!

Mike