What are you known for?

It’s a good question to think on now and again. Let’s face it – we all have a reputation of some sort.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.“ (Proverbs 22:1, NIV)

So, what are you known for? The NLT uses the wording “a good reputation”. If you were to ask people that question, what would be their responses?

A good name doesn’t mean you are perfect;
but being perfected by the One Who is.

A name becomes associated with something, making baby names a popular Google search. A search will produce 527 million results. Why?

Names carry great weight – whether good or bad.

“Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly possess. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to be.” (Socrates).

For believers, our desire is to be like Christ. Increasingly so, day by day.

What is the big deal with names and reputations? Why is a good name better?

1. A good name instills confidence. There is a confidence which comes when following someone with a solid reputation or a successful name. “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip & fall” (Proverbs 10:9, NLT).
2. A good name speaks for you. In 2 Chronicles 9, we are told, “When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions” (verse 1). Upon hearing his responses, she states: “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! (verse 5). Your character makes the name, and not the name which makes the character. Develop good character.
3. A good name will inspire those around you. Paul in writing to the church in Corinth says, “I am so glad that you always keep me in your thoughts and that you are following the teachings I passed on to you” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NLT). Paul was confident he had been a good example to them and had passed on God’s Word correctly. May we be an example others can follow.

Perhaps you are asking the following question … What if you don’t have a good name? What if you have a past?

The good news is that none of us had a good name before Christ: “For everyone has sinned, we all fall short of God’s standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Romans 3:23-24, NLT).

Our names may be tarnished, but our Savior and Redeemer’s name is good. 
He declares us righteous, and gives us a good name.