Reputation and Character

Historians tell us that in ancient times, brick makers, engravers, and other artisans and craftsmen used a symbol to mark their creations. It was known as their “character.” The value of the work was determined by the skill and care with which the work was done. Every single brick, every piece of pottery, every painting, every piece of jewelry, every creation of their hands had their “character” on it so it was important that each one reflect the quality claimed by the creator. The character became well known and highly respected when the quality of the work was high. It is the equivalent of our “brands” in today’s world. There was a time when a “brand” indicated the quality and durability of merchandise. Certain brands had certain marks of quality and they were trusted because they had been proven through the years. However, through the years ownership of the companies changed and the values of leadership changed so the quality of those products changed. It is the character of the person that determines the quality of what they produce in life.

When speak of our lives the ownership change should be to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Instead of diminishing quality, as in the case of some brands, there should be increasing quality in our lives and what we produce through our lives. The level of our work should be the best. The brand of “Christian” should speak of high quality, high moral values, high respect for authority, and high dependability.

Sometimes we speak of this as “reputation.” A good reputation is a valuable thing, but it is character that sustains you throughout your life. William Hersey Davis gives some great insights into the difference in character and reputation. He wrote:

“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 the 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 lifetime . . . 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.”

“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

Our hope and our future are in our character not our reputation. Reputations may change because they are largely the opinion of others, but character is who we are inside. That eventually manifests itself outwardly. Reputation does not determine our character, but character will ultimately determine our reputation.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, if there are any blemishes on my character I ask You to reveal them to me today. I want to carry the brand of “Christian” not so that I can be proud, but so that You can be proud. I don’t want to do anything to blemish the name of Jesus before the world. Help me develop deeper, stronger character every day that I serve and live for You. AMEN.

Blessings!
Pastor Roger