"The Value of a Good Name"

Scripture: "A good name is better than fine perfume …" -Ecclesiastes 7:1, NIV


Within this day and age, there are some things that have more value than others. For example, if you were to visit a pawn shop and needed some money to help with a bill, it's better to take some gold there than silver, because gold has more value. As we continue to live this thing we call life, we often find out that the value of things decrease as they get older. Our cars lose value. Our jewelry lose value. Our clothes lose value. Our houses gain value, but it depends on its upkeep and if newer homes are being placed around there. The one thing that can always increase in value is your name. When we hear certain names in this world, they gain instant credibility. When you hear the name Barack Obama, you think great man. When you hear the name Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., you think great man. When you hear the name Dr. Maya Angelou, you think great woman. Today's text allows us to further understand the value of a good name.

Today's devotion brings us to the book of Ecclesiastes. As one of the Poetry books of the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes was written by the wise king Solomon. God blessed Solomon to learn a lot during his lifetime and in turn, Solomon has blessed us with his life lessons in Proverbs and in this book. Within this chapter, Solomon deals with the value of a good name (the focal point of today's devotional), oppression, anger, discontent, the advantages of wisdom, and experiences dealing with the evil of sin.

The text here answers how valuable a good name is. It tells us that "a good name is better than fine perfume". In those days, perfume costs quite a bit of money and truth were told, perfumes today cost a little bit of change as well. This scripture blesses me because of the man who wrote it. Solomon could make this point because when he assumed the throne as king of Israel, God asked him what did he desire. Solomon desired wisdom and because of this wisdom, God blessed him with not only the wisdom, but wealth, fame, honor, and everything else worthy of a wise man. Through Solomon's wise moves as king, his name became good and obtained notoriety. Ladies and gentlemen, God has blessed each of us with some wisdom of His. It's on us to use the wisdom He has blessed us with and in turn, make our names good names. When you do that, you will be able to obtain the finer things in life and be able to bless those who need it and take care of your family.

Throughout his reign, because of name recognition, Solomon was able to meet distinguish people from faraway lands. They came to visit him and marvel at the work God had done through him. In the same light, because of your good name, God can bless you to meet distinguish people as well or even have them to come to you. In this, it's critical that you do everything you can to protect your name! How do you protect your name? Pay your bills on time! When you make a vow/promise, do the best you can to be a promise keeper and not a trucebreaker! Love those that love you and even those that do not love you! Pray for those who have burned you in the past and pray for those who will help you in the future! Steer clear of gossip and the list is endless. Just keep your name clean!

In closing, the most valuable thing we have is NOT our cars, our houses, our jewelry, our family heirlooms, or anything else like that. It's our name! With our names, we ought to strive to make our names good names! When your name is good, it can provide you the best for your family and bring glory to God. Chew on this thought: If someone mentioned your name, what would people say about you?