July 22nd – Proverbs 22: A Good Name

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

Our name is who we are. The essence of who we are and what we do is contained within our name and our actions here on earth determine how our name is received. We are nothing without our word. If people don’t believe us when we speak, then we have lost everything!

Let’s do an exercise to illustrate the point:

ENRON

What do you think of when I say Enron? Prior to October 2001, Enron was seen as a strong business and excellent company to invest in. When the accounting scandal broke in October 2001, instantly their name became a synonym for corporate greed and a case study for all that is wrong with capitalism. How about,

OJ SIMPSON

When “The Juice” is mentioned, very few would think of his amazing accomplishments in college and professional football. Most everyone will remember OJ as being the one famously acquitted for a murder most of the world is SURE he committed. In the church, we could say,

JIMMY SWAGGART

When I say that, few would think of the amazing anointing once on that man’s life. Few would even recount the evangelistic power that he once walked in. Most will remember the scandal with him and a local prostitute and his tearful televised repentance of “I have sinned!”

The list could go on and on, but the reality is that our names are absolutely invaluable and contain the fruit of our life here on earth. Take the name,

JESUS

In His life on earth, Jesus demonstrated a supreme level of obedience, even unto the death. His ACTIONS procured for Him a name that’s above EVERY name.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:5-8

It’s HIS name that will cause EVERY knee to bow and EVERY tongue to confess.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11

LIFE LESSON:

Protect your good name more than you would protect all the wealth of your household, without it, you are NOTHING.