Today’s Blog: What’s in a Name?
TODAY’S PROVERB: A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth, and grace rather than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1, TLV
When people hear our name, what do they think of? Our parents? Children? Honesty? Integrity? Graciousness? Loyalty? Godliness? Compassion? Our name carries our history — the good and bad. The poor decisions we make — especially when they affect others — attach themselves to our name.
I guess it’s important to remember this: When our decisions or actions affect others, we need to be especially careful. Seeking wise counsel. Arriving on time. Meeting our obligations and commitments. Seemingly small blips on our radar, may actually impact others significantly.
This is not about people-pleasing, this is about being aware that many of our actions and decisions have repercussions. And those repercussions clothe our name.
We’re blessed that our Heavenly Father forgives us. But, humanity doesn’t always forgive. Our Father will help us walk through those situations, but it would more ideal to avoid them.
Hubby and I live in a small town. Here, your name and reputation are very important because everyone seems to know everyone. Since we’re new and don’t know many of the locals, I’ve seen in real life the importance of a good name.
People, in their attempt to be helpful, have shared who and why certain people are trustworthy or not trustworthy. Unfortunately, before I’ve ever met these folks, I have an opinion of them. Very sobering to realize others could be doing the same with me.
It’s been said that a happy customer will tell 3-5 people, an unhappy customer 10-15. With the entrance of social media, and folks’ predilection for focusing on the negative, the unhappy customer may end up telling thousands — tens of thousands. Yikes.
Good and wholesome
But, let’s focus on the positive — what our name could represent that is good and wholesome. I would love to achieve the lofty goal of Proverbs 14:19, “Evil men will bow in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.” Wouldn’t you?
What does our name represent? Seek the LORD. He will show each of us. On this wisdom journey, as we learn, holy characteristics will attach themselves to our name. The fruits of the Holy Spirit will shine.
But, no matter our past, from this day forward, our Father can make a name worth more than silver and gold.
May our name be good, my friends.
Proverbs 22:1 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
WHAT KIND OF NAME DO YOU HAVE? LOVE TO HEAR ANY STORIES YOU CAN SHARE. AND, IF THIS BLOG WAS A BLESSINGS, PLEASE SHARE. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
