When we express our beliefs and values to others, we need to ask ourselves two questions. How do I feel? What will be the outcome? Our thoughts can outlast our decisions and impact our reputation.
The great basketball coach John Wooden said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” What Coach Wooden was imparting to his players is that your mental and moral qualities make up who you really are and not what other people think.
Our actions ultimately become history, but our thoughts about them continue to shape our future. We should always carefully guard our thoughts because they influence feelings of self-worth and self-respect. The Bible says that “your thoughts are the source of true life.” A person with self-respect is much less likely to indulge in bad behaviors or risky acts.
Self-respect and self-worth are internal standards we are not likely to violate. Giving in to selfish choices is like abandoning the moral code of our being which is the sacred soul God gave us.
Ask yourself this question. How will the people I value feel about me after my decision? The trust and respect of others is always needed to succeed. An outstanding reputation can be better than money, even in the secular marketplace. So, choose a good reputation over great wealth and remember that being held in high regard is better than having deep pockets. Remember these things when making decisions about your life:
- A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.
- When you get a negative reputation, it is hard to recover from it.
- The short-term benefits of making poor decisions lead to long term losses and regrets.
- A person blessed must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.
So, Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
