I was in the Sixth grade when I was first made aware of Proverbs 22:1. Mr. Davidson had all of our names written on scrolls and placed up on the bulletin board. Right on the middle was a bigger scroll with the words, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” I remember looking at it and wondering if the name “Chris” was better than the other names on the board. I was looking at it the wrong way. Mr. Davidson explained that name meant reputation and that each one of us were in control of our reputation through our actions.
I’ve given a lot of thought to that verse since my first day in Sixth grade. When faced with tough decisions, I’ve always asked myself, “Will this give me a good name or destroy the one I have?” I wish I could say I’ve always made the right choice, but I haven’t. When I’ve messed up, I’ve had to go back and rebuild. A good name is not given to you, it’s earned and built over time. I’ve learned that a decision made in a moment can tear down something that has taken a lifetime to build.
One of the best ways to build a good name for yourself is to be honest. For some reason, we buy into the lie that we have to make things up or embellish the facts in order to build a good reputation. The truth is what Ben Franklin once said: Honesty is the best policy. When you tell the truth, you don’t have to try to remember what you told someone. Psalm 51:6 says, “But you (God) desire honesty from the womb.” And Proverbs 11:5 tells us that the godly are directed by honesty. In order to have a good name, you’ve got to start by being honest.
Another way to have a good name is by being humble. Don’t think higher of yourself than you should as Romans 12:3 put it. There’s a fine line between being confident and being proud. People are drawn to confidence, but pushed away by pride. I’ve found that not only does God resist the proud, but people do too. Humility doesn’t mean you constantly beat yourself up. It’s having a mindset that reminds you that you are not above anyone or anything. If we are constantly seeking glory for everything we do, it’s hard to stay humble.
When I think of people that have a good reputation, I think of happy people. They don’t let the pressures and problems of life hold them down. They have a positive mental attitude that sees struggle and hardship as opportunities for growth rather than as reasons they’re being held back. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing. (AMP)” Happiness is a force that attracts others because it bring healing to their lives. It is an outward expression of an inward peace that comes from knowing God has everything under control.
These are just a few ways that you can build a good name. What ways have you seen?
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 