A Good Name

BABY-NAME BOOKS WERE INTRODUCED around the time Bob and I became parents. We spent hours discussing possible choices before each child was born. As the kids grew up, we talked to them about why we chose their specific names and the importance of a “good name.”

Names are also significant to the Lord. Throughout the Bible, the leading characters often have meaningful names, which were occasionally changed to fit their position and circumstances. For example, the name Abram means “exalted father,” but God changed Abram’s name to Abraham—which means “father of many”—to underscore God’s promise that Abraham would have more descendants than he could count.

As I mentioned earlier, our family read a chapter from the book of Proverbs every day for many years. Numerous subjects are addressed in King Solomon’s book of wisdom, including names: “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). We had many lively discussions around our breakfast table on the importance of earning and keeping a good name.

Our reputations attach to our names like shadows that follow us wherever we go. With our names, we represent our families. And if we are Christians, we also represent Christ as His ambassadors to the world. The responsibility to honor the names of our families and of our God should be taken seriously. Onlookers will form their opinions of both by what they see and hear from us.

When your name is mentioned, what do you imagine pops into the minds of hearers? Are they likely to think of you as kind, arrogant, loyal, hardworking, critical, encouraging, trustworthy, harsh, or joyful? Your influence is connected to your actions, which expose your character and determine whether you have a good or bad name. If you have a good name, Proverbs 22:1 implies that you are blessed to have favor with the people in your sphere. And although the plot of countless books and movies is the pursuit of wealth, this verse makes the case that the pursuit of a good name, and the favor that accompanies it, is a much more worthwhile quest.

When I first began my walk with the Lord in college, one of the few Christians I knew rarely smiled and had a noticeably critical spirit. She was quick to judge my first steps as a young believer. The girls who lived around us based their opinion of Christ on her and ended up with a negative view. Thankfully I had another Christian friend, Michelle, who was enthusiastic about her faith and encouraged my feeble efforts to grow in mine. My goal became to influence others for Christ like she was influencing me.

Representing Jesus is an opportunity for eternal influence that we shouldn’t take lightly. People watch us to see whether He is making a difference in our lives. Our decisions, actions, and words impact the name of our Savior.

We cautioned our children about the serious consequences of tarnishing their good names. The news is filled with stories of well-known people who have ruined their names and reputations—celebrities, politicians, business executives, sports heroes, and even religious leaders. It’s almost impossible to restore the reputation of one’s name once it’s damaged. This warning should cause us to focus on protecting our names like we protect our prized possessions. Although it’s important to prioritize our jobs, homes, savings, investments, and valuables, Proverbs 22:1 teaches that a more consequential priority is to protect our good names, which give us favor with both God and men.

A children’s story we read to our kids about the integrity of George Washington and his “do right” rule^a provided practical ways to protect our good names: tell the truth, guard our tongues, and treat people like we want to be treated. But we discovered an even higher standard for a good name in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Glory in this verse implies that our words and actions should make God look good and enhance His name and reputation.

In the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, we are told that at the end of time, we will see the face of our Savior, and His name—the greatest of all names—will be on our foreheads (see verse 4). What a privilege to honor His name now in our circles of influence!

REFLECTION

Take a minute to consider how others might view you. How do you think the way you live reflects on God’s good name? Memorize Proverbs 22:1 this week, and review it often to remind yourself of the importance of establishing and maintaining a good name. Ask the Lord to enable you to represent Him well and influence the people you care about to do the same.