“The aims of a great empire and the moral health of the people are incompatible.” “Holding on to a great empire means to contribute to the extinction of our own people.” “And since the faceless and greedy pack did what it pleased, more often than not in our name, we will not be able to wash ourselves clean as quickly as the others have.” Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn from “The Russian Question” As the leadership of a nation goes, so are it’s people judged. Sadly, a majority of the citizens could disagree with the rulers, but they are not differentiated. These, unfortunately, bear responsibility of all actions; the blessings of kindness — the guilt of wrongs done. Presumed on by outsiders, many bear the brunt of a nation disgraced, a name disintegrated. So, what can we learn? Many things: Private reputations often yield unconsciously to group evaluation. People judge often by national…
Tag: <span>reputation</span>
The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us in 10:1, “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.” What does it mean to have reputation? The Latin root tells us “reconsideration.” “to think again.” Webster’s says, “overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general. b: recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability.” So, reputation or “my qualifications as judged by others,” can be sullied by a dead fly? Yes, a Kamikaze fly could destroy a good perfume, causing a stench. But, Jesus made Himself of no reputation. He emptied Himself of qualifications; those judged by Men, but also real ones. see Philippians 2:7 What does that look like? Sounds like He refused to cling to an external judgement which stood on shaky ground, but also gave up…