The circumstances amid which you live determines your reputation…the truth you believe determines your character.Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are.
Reputation is the photograph; character is the face.
Reputation comes over one from without; character grows up from within.
Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community; character is what you have when you go away.
Your reputation is made in a moment; your character is built in a lifetime.
Your reputation is learned in an hour; your character does not come to light for a year.
Reputation grows like a mushroom; character lasts like eternity.
Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor; character makes you happy or makes you miserable.
Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone; character is what the angels say about you before the throne of God.
From "Becoming a Person of Influence" by: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan
