A Good Name

Adolf Hitler. Benny Madoff. Mother Theresa. Nelson Mandela. Some names make us frown, others bring a smile to our lips. Have you ever wondered what comes to people’s minds when your name is mentioned? Does it really matter? Well, the Good Book says it does. In Prov 22:1, we are told, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

Even the Lord’s name is important to Him as displayed in Numbers 14:11-16. God was fed up with the Istaelites for their hardheadedness as He took them through the dessert to the Promised Land. He decided to wipe them out completely but when He told Moses, the latter convinced God not to carry out His plan because it would sully His name among the heathen nations.

A good name refers to your character and reputation. It tells otherd you are a person of good moral standards, a person of integrity, trustworthy and good.

Why is it important?
A good name earns you trust. When people know you are trustworthy, honest and morally sound, they will trust you.
A good name strengthens your relationships. When people know they can count on you, they draw closer to you.
It will bring you riches. People are more willing to do business with you or support your business when you have a good reputation.
Wealth can be lost or even dissipated anytime but a good name lives on long after you are gone.

Shakespeare in Othello Act 3, sc 3 lines 159-165 wrote:
“…Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, 
Is the immediate jewel of their souls: 
Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing; 
‘Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands; 
But he that filches from me my good name 
Robs me of that which not enriches him 
And makes me poor indeed.”

For us Christians, we are here as representatives of God. Ours is to imitate Christ and since whatever we do or whatever we are reflect on God, we must endeavor to maintain a good name at all times, no matter the cost. For “a good name is better than fine perfume…” Eccl. 7:1.

Blessings.

Love,
Lady Monica