- 2 Timothy 3:5 (NKJV) …having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Recently Sonja and I enjoyed a wonderful meal at an Italian restaurant. Our waiter did such an excellent job that I asked him to sign the back of one of the restaurant’s business cards. Predictably, his name was Antonio; unpredictably he was from the Philippines. Imagine that: eating at an Italian restaurant with a waiter name Antonio from the Philippines!
Antonio seemed genuinely pleased that I had asked for his signature and I was genuine in my admiration for the excellence of his service. I’ve put the signed card in a business card holder that I have as reminder: a reminder that a good name is better than a good image.
I’m afraid most people are far more worried about having a good image than they are having a good name.
Having a good image has to do with what you advertise; having a good name is what you really are. A good image can be brought; a good name can only be earned.
People over-concerned with their image worry about what people think about them. People focused on having a good name focus on doing a good job. People over-concerned with their image make decisions based on what is popular at the moment; people focused on a good name makes decisions based on principle.
The image-conscience talks a good talk; the person with a good name backs their words up with action. Short term, image can win the day; long-term a good name builds a life.
Which is it for you? Are you over-concerned with building your image or are you focused on establishing a good name?
“Thousands upon thousands are yearly brought into a state of real poverty by their great anxiety not to be thought poor.”
Robert Mallett
The ONE THING 