Davidisms: Your Reputation is What Others Think of You, Your Character is What You Think of Yourself

David and Marilynn Chadwick

Apr 28, 2021

1 min read

Which is more important to you - your reputation or your character? Before you answer, make sure you understand the difference between the two.

Your reputation is what others think of you. Your character is what you think of yourself.

Consider Jesus’s reputation. Jesus - the one and only perfect human to ever live - was called a glutton and a drunkard (Matt. 11:19). Others described him this way. It’s what they thought of him.

Now consider Jesus’s character. Throughout the infallible Word of God, Jesus is described as incapable of mistruths. Jesus said of himself: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). It was - and is - his character. Perfect holiness and purity.

Jesus knew that he could not affect what others thought of him. All he could do was to please his Father in heaven.

Therefore, concentrate on your character. Be able to look in the mirror every morning and know that you are a man or woman of God. Choose to please God, not people.

Then you can sleep well at night. And know that your character is intact.

Because your reputation is what others think of you. Your character is what God and you think of yourself.