Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour
rather than silver and gold.
A warning against wrong choices…
The lesson here is simple: make wise selections and you will opt for
a good name! We should be more careful to do that by which we may get
and keep a good reputation. A man is what he is, not what he used to be.
Character in a saint means the disposition of Jesus Christ persistently
manifested. Thus, what people think of Jesus because of you is critical!
Reputations are hard to come by and easy to lose.
The Bible teaches that concern for a good name should be greater than
concern for riches. This verse goes on to teach that careful supervision
of our dealings with other people is even more important than careful
supervision of our financial dealings! While character is built slowly,
it can be torn down with incredible swiftness.
“Every man has three names,” says an ancient adage; “one his father and
mother gave him, one others call him, and one he acquires himself.”
When Judas was born, he was given the good name “Judah,” which means,“praise.”
It belonged to the royal tribe in Israel. However, by the time Judas died,
he had turned that honorable name into something shameful through his
betrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ. Allegiance to God and His principles
ensures a good name!
Ruth 2:10-11 (KJV)
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto
him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge
of me, seeing I am a stranger? And Boaz answered and said unto her, It
hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in
law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father
and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people
which thou knewest not heretofore.
Ruth 3:11 (KJV)
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest:
for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
True religion teaches a man or a woman to behave right in all situations
and conditions, regardless of their surroundings. A truly godly individual
will exercise good judgment in every one of their dealings with other
human beings. Hence, our conduct will make a deep and lasting impression
on those around us.
Proverbs 12:8 (KJV)
A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a
perverse heart shall be despised.
Ladies, we cannot demand others to think or speak well of us or even of
our loved ones; we must each earn good credit by our own good efforts!
A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will
always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was… Honor increases
or decreases choice by choice.
Acts 6:3-8 (KJV)
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report,
full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
[4] But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry
of the word. [5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they
chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip,
and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte
of Antioch: [6] Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed,
they laid their hands on them. [7] And the word of God increased; and
the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great
company of the priests were obedient to the faith. [8] And Stephen, full
of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
Ladies, Stephen was the people’s choice to appoint over the Lord’s business
because he was properly fitted for great responsibility. Those who have
the power to appoint need to see that the person in consideration be a
man or woman of wisdom, knowing how to direct their affairs with discretion.
Incidentally, could you be selected for a sacred task, appropriate for
a Christian woman? Has a good name been a priority for you? Likewise,
do your children qualify for an honorable name, each earning their own
personal merit independent of your family name? Would they be the people’s
choice to appoint over the Lord’s business because they are properly fitted
for sacred duties? Are you expecting people to honor your children simply
because they are your children, without any consideration for the character
they possess? Parents must see to it that their children grow to take
full responsibility for their own reputation; they cannot ride on the
coat tails of Mom and Dad, nor can parents ride on the reputation of their
children! As was the case with Stephen, be sure the Holy Ghost is at work
in each of their lives. Put before your children the importance of bearing
not a famous name, but a good name, having an honest report and unblemished
public character.
Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked and never well mended.
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2004 Pamela A. Iannello
