Part 3, Chapter 7
When I drive, especially toward the cities, I see more and more signs. There are signs advertising restaurants. Signs point to rest areas. They are everywhere and they do so much. Some signs make us laugh; others make us sad thinking of the lives lost to abortion. Still, signs give information whether we like it or not. Some of the signs that I cannot stand and are just wrong are some of the political signs (Thank God the election season is over). These are the political signs that are filled with partial truths, and which attack the person running for office. Many times these political signs drag a politician through the mud. It is sad to see these. Some of these ads can really wreak havoc on their reputations.
It is good to have reputation that is known for goodness. “Reputation, after all, is but a signboard giving notice where virtue dwells, and virtue itself is always and everywhere preferable” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 88). Thus, we should want to have a reputation that is good, but we should not seek it out. “An excessive fear of losing reputation indicates mistrust as to its foundations, which are to be found in a good and true life” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 88). There are going to be times when are reputations are attacked, times when things that are said that are untrue. We should bless our detractors and ask God to be with them. It is okay to protect our names, but there are times when it would be humble to not say anything; it would be good in such cases to bring the pain to the Lord. When offenses are small, we should bear with them. Still there is a difference when it is huge. “Of course certain crimes, so grievous that no one who can justify himself should remain silent, must be excepted; as, too, certain persons whose reputation closely affects the edification of others. In this case all theologians say that it is right quietly to seek reparation” (Introduction to the Devout Life, 89). Still, if we are going to defend ones reputation we should do it with charity and love. And still try to remain humble.