STOP AND THINK – Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. (Abraham Lincoln)
An interesting analogy. A tree cannot escape its shadow; whatever direction the light comes from, it casts a shadow of the real tree. Neither can a person escape his reputation. Wherever there is light, your life will be seen for what it is; you cannot pretend to be someone else. What does your shadow reflect?
Describing the man who wants to serve God: He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. (1 Timothy 3:7)