A Reflection On Reputation

When I am striving to make a good impression on others

In Jesus’ code of ethics, there is no room for an inflated sense of dignity. That isn’t to say that we have no dignity; created in the image of God, we could have no less. What Jesus prohibits is our instinct to defend our “approval rating” in others’ eyes. We are not to guard our image as though our self-esteem depends on people.

Why are we so concerned about the impression we make on others? And why are we so convinced that a vigorous defense of our rights makes a better impression than our humility? Jesus articulates what ought to be clear to us: Honor comes to those who do not strive for it. The most admired are the most humble. The Kingdom of God is well represented not by the strident and the overassertive, but by those who know their heavenly citizenship and are entirely content with it. That’s how we can become unattached to our reputation; we already know who we are.

You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.

Matthew 5:38-39