My four children have four cats (Sam, Sylvester, Tin Tin and Bo Bo). These cats love people, but they are ferocious–killers! Tiger, lion, panther and cheetah are better descriptions. These fur-filled kitty-cats are indefatigable hunters–resilient killers!
How do I know? Because their collective body of work speaks loud and clear. Because they leave their “trophies” on our door mat–we have to see their work.
But, from a distance or a casual inspection, one might find our cats lounging lazily in the sun or reclining restfully on some high perch. Perhaps, you would come over and find all four of them wrapped up like baby dolls being pushed by our five year old daughter in a stroller. You would ask, “These social tabbies–killers? Never!”
There is always a closer inspection. This happens whether you chose to acknowledge it or not. You are always under the lens of someone else’s inspection.
Thus, THE QUESTION: “What do others (your mate, boss, children, parents, co-workers, strangers, friends, etc.) find when they examine your life?”
Examine closely our cats and you’ll find stone-cold killers, habitual hunters, and dedicated destroyers of all forms of fluttering and slithering vermin. What about you? Are you honest when you examine your life? Will others be honest with you if you ask them to examine your life?
“The unexamined life is not worth living” – Socrates
Try these inspection (examination) methods:
1. Examine your foundation (your heart, beliefs, and values). Does it match what you are leading others to believe about you?
2. Ask a trusted counselor for a “construction inspection”
A. What does it appear I am building in my life?
B. Am I building for success?
C. How do others view me?
D. Do you see any “cracks” in my construction that will cause foundation problems later?
“Even a child is known by his ways (deeds)” Proverbs 20:11
What are you know by? Answering this IS your reputation!
