Destruction of Character

U truly do learn something new every day. How is that you can praise someone so much one minute and destroy their character the next? I thought only a coin had 2 sides.

Don’t get me wrong, people talk about one another, it’s normal. Truth be told, we all are guilty of it; but sometimes, the extent of it can go too far. Talking about somebody is one thing but when you drag someone’s name through the mud, that is a whole different situation. Remember, reputation is everything.

People stand up every day and put people on pedestals and have positive things to say about the person and you believe them because they sound so genuine. But as soon as that “praised” person is out of sight, you hear every negative story, every negative thing that they have ever done in their life, who they used to hang out with in the streets, what they used to do in the past. You name it, somebody is telling it.

If you know how you truly feel deep down inside about the person, then be honest from the start. The saying is that some things are better left unsaid; well that’s just too bad because if you think it in your mind, it’s just as bad as saying it out loud and some people go ahead and say it out loud anyway.

You can absolutely destroy a person’s character to the point where people don’t want to be around that person or that person doesn’t want to be around people. And its sad because it happens every day. You may not even know the person that’s being talked about in the conversation, but you hear how they are being talked about and sometimes, you may even agree with the conversation just to fit in with what is being said.

But when the tables are turned, it doesn’t feel so good, does it? So, if you know how it feels when someone destroys your character, why do the same to someone else? I’m sorry, I just can’t do it. People have dragged my name through the mud, but I still stand strong. Know why? Because as long as people have something to talk about, if you give them something else, it further makes you look like exactly what they said you were. My motto: If you’re talking about me, then I must be important, which I know I am because the Lord says we are all somebody in his eyes.

Reputation is everything. Do you want to be known as someone who tears people down? Or do you want to be known as someone who builds people up? It’s your life and your choice. But, when the casket closes, your reputation is on the spotlight. People make remarks. Some comedic, some serious. But people also whisper about you too. So, that’s something to think about while you are living.

The Williams Brothers have a song called May The Works I’ve Done Speak for Me. In other words, what you do in life is what people will remember you for in death. A troublemaker is not a title I want now or when I leave this earth. “When I’m resting in my grave, nothing can be said.” That is a lyric from the song. True statement. What do you want people to remember you for? A peace maker or a peace breaker?

So, to sum things up, don’t praise a person and tear their character down at the same time. Make a choice. Coins may have 2 sides, but a mirror has one reflection.