“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
~ John Wooden
Don’t worry about what others think
August 19, 2015 | 12 comments
Spiritual ideas that inspire healing
The title of this blog is exactly what I heard God telling me recently. I remember when I was in 5th grade I badgered my mother to buy me a pair of white leather tennis shows that cost more than she typically spent on shoes for me because all of the other guys were wearing these shoes and if I didn’t wear them too I just wouldn’t fit in! That is just one example of many over the years of me falling prey to the idea that I need to be just like other people in order to fit in…or worrying about what other people think of me.
About 3 months ago I was having a conversation with another Christian Scientist and it came out how “wanting to fit in” had limited her practice of Christian Science. Bing! I realized wanting to fit in had had the same effect on me too! I probably don’t have to tell everyone that the practice of Christian Science doesn’t exactly fit in with what most people are thinking these days. So if we allow in thought the subtle argument that we have to fit in to be liked, or respected, or “cool”, then that error will severely limit our ability to grow spiritually and to experience the blessings of spiritual growth. So thanks Evan for pointing this out in your blog today!
I think the antidote for this error is a clear realization that each of us is a unique expression of God and His idea and therefore if we don’t express our uniqueness, then we are depriving the world of part of God’s goodness and love.
So very true. Very often a person of good character is misunderstood for many reasons. May be the person is straightforward in his dealings and so is perhaps not a “Yes” man. A person with good principles may be disliked too, because he likes to abide by the rules and regulations, which is generally not appreciated, especially when many like to take the short cut or the easy way to rise to the top. But its very important that your records be good in the eyes of God than in the eyes of men. I would rather be good and loved by God then to go with the flow of the general opinion and be concerned about what others would think or how it would affect my reputation. Ultimately its always between you and God.
Thanks Evan for the daily uplifting of our thought.
Thanks Evan. John Wooden is one of my favorite coaches. His triangle for individual development is a valuable tool for team development and I think a wholesome approach to coaching. As a Christian Scientist I can see the true love based principle that helped him reached so many young athletes prepare themselves for more than just the game but success in life.
I have learned this even before becoming a Student of C/S. It could drive me crazy trying to please my fellow humans, each with his or her ideas of this is the way of doing. I now let God’s will take over and much happier when I do.
Yes! “What You Think of Me is None of My Business”!!! It really all does come down to – It’s between me and God. Live and Let Live! Let Go and Let God!
How true this is and thanks for the comments so far. As a Christian Scientist, and usually the only one, I have often felt that I didn’t fit in. In school the nurses and sometimes the teachers targeted me knowing I was a Christian Scientist. After entering the workforce I was often ridiculed for not indulging in social drinking. Thanks to God’s wisdom none of this ever tempted me to change my thoughts or actions. I want to fit into the kingdom of God!
Perfect timing!!!
Thank you Evan
Kate
Thanks for sharing Wooden’s wisdom , Evan! Tho a history teacher, not a coach, I often quoted his words of wisdom to students! Brian, loved your closing statement. Spot on!
“I want to fit into the kingdom of God!” Wow…thank you Lori!
Thank you all for this message and your wonderful comments! I’ve been in some seemingly sticky situations lately, but my ongoing study of CS has given me a solid foundation to weather them. I don’t know how they’ll turn out, but I do know God is in control, and I have acted from my highest sense of right throughout! I am so grateful to be where I am right now, feeling the strength of God standing with me, and knowing S/He will cause things to turn out even better than I could possibly imagine.
I have never really been one to care about fitting in. I do struggle with this when explaining CS to others. It’s not that I worry about what they think. Rather I’m not always certain where to begin as I consider myself to be fairly new in my study of CS. Thank you for the reminder and this blog.
“Fitting in”, belonging, being a part of; is a desirable human trait which seems temporarily satisfying until I find myself alone. Lone time gives me the possibility for prayer or building a strong inner connection with God and God’s idea, or spiritual individuality. I value this time as well as being with a friend or group with similar interests. It is only when these get out of balance and I lose focus or clarity as to what is important that causes distress or emptiness. Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts.