A Good Name… “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Are you willing to sacrifice your good name for the gain of great riches? Is it worth diluting your influence and soiling your reputation? What price can you put on your good name? It is your most valuable asset, because it says you are not willing to sell out at any price. A noble name is a like a rare gold coin from antiquity: priceless and desirable. Like David, apply appropriate actions. “David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed” (1 Samuel 18:30b, NASB).
What is a good name? It is given by God; for God. A good name makes sure to give God the glory for its good deeds. Its fortress is the fear of Lord, which keeps out unwanted influences. A good name follows through with what it says. It is neither passive aggressive or aggressive passive for it’s forthright in both speech and motives. A good name means you stand for something good, and you are willing to suffer lose for what’s right. You believe God blesses obedience, and not manipulation for money’s sake.
How do you keep your good name intact? Humility and honor are twin pillars that support the edifice of a respectable reputation. No matter what degree of success you experience you are quick to share the lime light with the Lord and those who contributed to your good fortune. When we grasp for the credit we discredit our leadership. It is in giving that we get to grow our good name. Humility is the hinge on which honor turns.
Lastly, honor God and man, and your name will be honored. Respect is reciprocal. For example, you honor a contract, even when circumstances have changed to the negative. You are willing to lose a new lease, because you promised your tenant a 30-day notice. The Lord blesses landlords that keep their word and who long to do the right thing. Indeed, your honor and good name depend on God, “My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge” (Psalm 62:7). Thus, is my goal to grow my good name, or to gain wealth? Do I honor God and people in the process? How valuable is my good name?
Related Readings: 1 Kings 1:47; Ecclesiastes 7:1; Luke 2:52; Acts 10:22
Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?
