Some time ago my attention was drawn to the statement, "Reputation is not character," and the words made a lasting impression upon me. Many people confuse the one with the other, but there is a vast difference between them. Reputation is merely the estimate which people place upon one. We often hear it said, "I know him by reputation." When, however, we know a man by his character, we know his real worth. Reputation is oftentimes like public opinion, fluctuating and ever varying; but character is what one really is. It is not inherited from some ancestor, but is, on the contrary, a God-given inheritance; therefore it should dominate us in our entire conduct, and should leave its impress upon every one with whom we come in contact, inspiring high ideals, and honest, unswerving efforts toward right. It behooves us to keep the most vigilant watch over every detail of our lives, never yielding when temptation seems to assail us, always daring to follow that which is highest.
We should thus form the habit of always doing our best under all circumstances: then we can look the world in the face, let come what will, for all our efforts bear the stamp of a true purpose, and sometime we shall hear the "well done, thou good and faithful servant." All true mental qualities are divinely bestowed, and lead to the high goal of success. If we continue faithful and fervent in our work, we shall find that God is faithful and liberal in rewarding us. Said the Psalmist, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." One error seems to keep many back from the spiritual progress which is true character-building, and it is fear of the toil and the difficulty connected therewith. These imagine that they are giving up so much, where in reality they are giving up nothing. He excels all others in virtues who strives to realize the divine supply for that which seems most lacking in his nature, and labors to understand what is the "acceptable, and perfect, will of God" for the beginning and completion of every good work.
A worthy incentive to character-building is to feel that our efforts are a necessity to the world, not in a self-opinionated way, but as realizing that we are here for a purpose, that we have a part to do, and it should be the very best, as God meant it to be. We should bring into our mental activity all our God-given qualities. The command, "Be ye therefore perfect," indeed seems unattainable, but God would never require of us anything impossible, and one perfect life was actually lived upon this earth. No one ever knew the true value of character as did the lowly Nazarene,—the one to whom all Christian Scientists bow this day in adoration, for they recognize in him all the requisites which make up a perfect character.
