Proverbs 22:1 says "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."
How people receive you when you enter a room tells you a lot about your "name" or your reputation. Do you desire a good name?
A good name is important to God. Your reputation will precede you. Every one of our earthly reputations is bad - our name alone CANNOT get us into heaven.
1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon before visiting him and after visiting, she saw that he lived up to the name.
1. A Good Name Reflects Our Character
Ecclesiastes 7:1 says A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
Our character and actions define our name. Living with integrity and honesty should be our priority as these traits build a good name that honors God. A good name builds character, which involves:
Good character includes:
- Integrity - honesty - truthful and transparent- with strong principles) and honor... This involves being truthful, fair, and ethical even when no one else is watching you. (Read Ephesians 4:25
- Responsibility - accountable for our actions. It involves fulfilling our duties and obligations reliably and dependably
- Compassion - involves empathy and genuine concern for others (Colossians 3:12)
- Humility - the quality of being modest and respectful; recognizing limitations and valuing others above ourselves.
- Perseverance - The determination and the tenacity to keep going despite the setbacks; staying committed to the goals and end values (Read James 1:12)
"Good character builds trust, defines your reputation, and reflects your faith."
2. A Good Name Earns Trust and Influence
Paul emphasizes the importance of character even in front of those outside the church. Even among non-believers, we ought to have a good reputation so that others might know Jesus through us. Your character precedes your influence - how you act can cause someone to love Jesus more or less.
3. Your Good Name Ultimately Gives Glory to God
Let your light shine before men... you don't have to work for it, it's your actions. If your love for God is so great, it will reflect in your character, and those around you will see it and glorify God.
Giving glory to God is more important than giving glory to the problem or the situation.
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Everything you do should be to the glory of God because God gave it to you. When God makes our name great, we ought to still stay humble about it. What God has done and will do for us is amazing and you're still the same in terms of character.
Our names can give glory to God.