Reputation is a fragile thing. Under the right circumstances even the most sterling of reputations can be tarnished.
I hear the phrase "thrown under the bus" frequently, and while that might have originally implied someone being disparaged undeservingly, it often feels like it also refers to comrades that need to be taken behind the woodshed and "schooled" a bit.
It is very easy to throw others "under the bus" if we fear our own good standing is in jeopardy. And some people are thrown there so frequently they pretty much live under the bus. Eventually they are not on the bus at all.
Some of us who would like to think we are more pragmatic throw whole departments under the bus, as if somehow spreading the blame and condemnation across an anonymous "they" will keep the stink from ricocheting back. Take care if you are in the habit of doing this. There are very real people in the "they" and it is very easy to diminish your own good standing when you are seen as a blamer and not a team player.
If you have been thrown under the bus, try not to grab anyone else to join you. Take stock of what is being communicated and own up to your mistakes. People who own their errors command far more respect than those who are constantly deflecting.
If you are a believer in Christ, remember that He made Himself of no reputation at all to achieve the greatest thing in human history and and forever. Remember that if you are doing your Father's business, He will watch out for your good standing...where it counts. While some people's good opinions are not worth having, His is all that matters.
I hear the phrase "thrown under the bus" frequently, and while that might have originally implied someone being disparaged undeservingly, it often feels like it also refers to comrades that need to be taken behind the woodshed and "schooled" a bit.
It is very easy to throw others "under the bus" if we fear our own good standing is in jeopardy. And some people are thrown there so frequently they pretty much live under the bus. Eventually they are not on the bus at all.
Some of us who would like to think we are more pragmatic throw whole departments under the bus, as if somehow spreading the blame and condemnation across an anonymous "they" will keep the stink from ricocheting back. Take care if you are in the habit of doing this. There are very real people in the "they" and it is very easy to diminish your own good standing when you are seen as a blamer and not a team player.
If you have been thrown under the bus, try not to grab anyone else to join you. Take stock of what is being communicated and own up to your mistakes. People who own their errors command far more respect than those who are constantly deflecting.
If you are a believer in Christ, remember that He made Himself of no reputation at all to achieve the greatest thing in human history and and forever. Remember that if you are doing your Father's business, He will watch out for your good standing...where it counts. While some people's good opinions are not worth having, His is all that matters.
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