A Good Name

Crazy Horse

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all." (Prov 22:1-2 NIV)

I have often reminded young people that keeping their name good, by conducting their lives in a manner that will glorify God, is going to be most beneficial to them. It will help them greatly, not just today by keeping them out of trouble and from being with their parents; but, it will help them as they become adults. In small communities (in fact the whole world is getting to be a small community) word about one's character gets around pretty fast. Even if they don't know you, information about you can be accessed quite easily. A quick look at your Facebook alone can give a reference, good or bad, in no time flat. If one ends up getting arrested, it will not take future employers hardly any time or trouble to get your records. To get the best jobs, to have greater opportunities, even to get loans for school or a home or a small business your name will affect the outcome of the application.

If you build up a name that is esteemed by serving and helping others; others will be much more likely to trust you. If your name becomes synonymous with trouble, then when trouble comes, they will come looking to accuse you, whether you did it or not. If your name has been muddied by past conduct, you may often find yourself alone and lonely as others, in order to keep their name good, will tend to shy away from you. Those who will cling to you are those who make a habit of muddying up their own name. That may not seem fair or the best thing, but it is human nature.

Riches and gold can buy you acquaintances. But, it cannot buy you genuine friendship or love. If you attempt to buy it with these things, you have only dishonored your own name.

The LORD is the creator of all, both rich and poor. He is LORD and maker of all, both those who have kept their names relatively good and those who have disrespected themselves and their own names. In reality, there is only one whose name is truly good.  Turn to the LORD and maker of all, bear His Holy Name. Bear the name of Jesus Christ no matter where you are or what you do. In this you will find much peace and reconciliation for a past that attempts to follow you. On the cross, Jesus was willing to clear your name, so that you might bear His, as you face the world before you; as you seek the Kingdom of God. Christian, bear the name of Christ, for His name is good. It is better, far better, than silver or gold.

Remember the story of the man who had been lame since birth, sitting in the temple gate begging for money so that he could eat?  Peter and John came up to him and "Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God." (Acts 3:6-8)

Silver and gold could not buy this man health, but in the name of Jesus Christ, he was healed. Bear the good name of Jesus. It will bring health and wholeness to the world around you.

What's in a name? You were given a name in Christ at baptism. Jesus calls you by that name. What will you do with that name?

God's Peace - Pr. J