Give It to Me and I Will Use It Compassionately

Where does credibility come from? I have some ideas.

Credibility is granted by one person to another. I think it is that simple. We all agree that the letters “MD” after a name give an individual instant credibility. From time to time a horror story about someone impersonating a doctor hits the headlines, but that’s really not the norm. Still, the letters alone don’t make a person a worthy doctor. There’s more to it. There are several criteria involved, and we all might apply them differently. The point is that credibility is partially subjective, therefore, it is granted. It is not an inherent characteristic of a person. It is a gift, and it really should be a crime to abuse that gift. But it’s not, so people do.

See, credibility is not hard to acquire. For example, you’re reading this post for a reason. If you came for just the title, you’re probably disappointed by now. That’s OK. If you came because you like the way I write or you find truth in what I say or you think I am an arrogant ass and you get a kick out of rolling your eyes at me, the fact still remains that you came. You came, you stayed, and you are still reading. So, you’ve granted me credibility as someone who has something to say. At minimum, I write well enough to hold your interest.

That is a form of credibility that I have acquired from you. I can build on that credibility by continuing to post witty, informative, thought-provoking snippets for you to read. Regardless, it is a gift that you have given to me, and I take it very seriously.

We all have instant credibility with people: at work we might have it because we give good presentations; with children we might have it just because we’re taller than they are; with our spouses we might have it because they think we’re really smart. No matter how it is that we come by the gift, the most important thing is to remember that it was given in good conscience, in good faith, in the hope that we might positively influence another person’s life. That is a huge responsibility, but it’s one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Give it to me, and I will use it compassionately.