When we look at William Faulkner's book and when we think about Absalom, third son of David several important truths come forward.
It is important that we make a name for ourselves. There is part of life that calls for us to find out who we are and to live in such a way that fulfills that identity. We see ourselves as generous, or talented, or compassionate. We have a sense of ourselves and it is important to develop that. We have to find a way to be at home within ourselves. We have to make a name for ourselves and we will want to be comfortable with that.
Also, there is what other people think of us. There is a reputation to consider. We develop a reputation by trying to convince there people around us that what they see in us is what we are. Sometimes, we want to persuade others that we are something other than what they see. Sometimes we will want to perpetuate an image so that others will see more in us than there is. It is a dangerous approach to life to live this way. In fact, we will want to try to develop congruence between who we see ourselves as being and who others see us as.
Identity is important to us as we make a name for ourselves. Reputation is important to us as we strive to have other people see us in a positive way. Congruence comes when our reputation is the same as our identity.
What is your reputation?
What is the name you have made for yourself?
The final stage of this has to do with legacy? I will write about this on Friday if I can get the sermon to that point.
Do you have thoughts about this? If so write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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My son is reading a book about Thomas Jefferson. Indeed, one would say he is a man with a great "Legacy". He's identified as one of the great men in American history. I'm sure he convinced many of those around him of his greatness. Although there are several parts in the book that talk about Jefferson owning slaves and this seems a bit confusing for my son. He understands slavery was a terrible thing and it's difficult for him to think of someone held in such high regard as a person that would do something as bad as owning slaves. I'm sure Jefferson's slaves had a different perspective regarding his reputation and identified with him differently that those who knew as an equal. I'm not sure Jefferson cared much about his legacy or reputation within the hearts and minds of his slaves. So it seems that, unfortunately, we only worry about our "reputation" with others we deem worthy of judging us. Our lives must have congruency, harmony and correspondence with all those around us in order to leave a lasting and important legacy.
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