Daily Reflections - February 8,2013

REPUTATION VS. CHARACTER

 

Herod Antipas knew exactly what was right and what needed to be done. However, he erred in his decision because he was “thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of the guests.” He took to heart too much the issue of his reputation.

William Hersey David points out, “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 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 lasts like eternity. Reputation makes one rich or poor; character makes one happy or miserable. Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone; character is what angels say about you before the throne of God!”

Now, we are not saying that a good reputation is not valuable. Wisdom from the Bible puts it well: “A good name is more desirable than riches” (Proverbs 22:1). However, a real lasting and authentic reputation is not made up. Take care of your character, and your good reputation will take care of itself! Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What have you been working on for yourself: a good reputation or good character? What virtues do you value most in a person’s character?

 

Lord Jesus, help me to take care of my reputation, but above all, my character.