Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour, rather than silver and gold.”
What exactly is a “Good Name”? It goes much, much deeper than what you are called by other people. It’s the real you: your character, the most basic fundamental you. It’s how the world sees you and it’s who God knows you are.
God says that a “good name” is more important than “great” riches. I love the way that God gets His point across. He wants us to pay attention and understand this truth. He just doesn’t say riches – He says, “Great Riches” – lots and lots of riches, oodles and oodles of riches, overflowing riches – you get the picture. So what is this that God is saying we should chose over a great deal of money and things? He is clearly and simply saying it is who we are that counts, not what we have. This statement is definitely worth repeating because in our mixed up, out of whack world, this is not the way man thinks. He evaluates his worth around what he possesses and can often care little about his character.
We all know that God judges the heart. He sees our inner most self. But, it is important to remember that the world (those around us) can only see our outward actions. To have a “good name” before the world demands certain visible qualities on our part. You must be:
Humble, honest, friendly, have integrity, be consistent in good conduct, show compassion, have concern for others, have Christ like communications, ___, ___. (You fill in the blanks – I think you get the idea.)
How you live says more about you than what you say. You can tell others about the Lord but if they don’t see Him in your life it does more harm than good. You can relate the truths that you learn from the Scriptures but if you aren’t living them it means nothing. How you act and live does count!
This blog is an excerpt from the book, “I Want to be a Better Me for God” Chapter 16
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