A Good Name

I. Text: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:5

II. Our most valued possession

A. What is the most valuable thing that you could have?

B. Would it be an exotic sports car or a mansion? Would it be a great collection of art, historical items, or other memorabilia? Would it be a company with vast fortunes or a prestigious job position?

C. You already own something more valuable than any of these things yet, through negligence or willful misconduct, you can make it practically worthless: your name.

D. A good name has always been a valued possession.

E. Ecclesiastes 7:1: “A good name is better than precious ointment”

F. We probably have many ointments and perfumes in our bathrooms; yet for the ancients this was a luxury. It was valuable and pleasing to the senses and, when used, would make the wearer clean and pleasing to others. The precious ointment may make us superficially pleasing; however, a good name reflects an inward beauty demonstrated by an admirable life.

G. Proverbs 22:1: A good name is more valuable than great riches

H. Great riches can provide a life of ease and comfort but if we have to sacrifice our good name to get it, we pay too great a price for so little return. A good name is so important that if one wanted to offer you great riches, so that all your needs and every desire is met, that you would immediately be insulted a the low offer and reject it immediately. Robert E. Lee: Lee was a man of honor, proud of his name and heritage. After the War Between the States, he was offered $50,000 for the use of his name. His reply was: ” Sirs, my name is the heritage of my parents. It is all I have and it is not for sale.” His refusal came when he had nothing. That $50,000 probably had the value of $1,000,000 today-or more!

III. Samuel’s example: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:5 (read previously)

A. The people demanded that Samuel to appoint a king so they could be like the nations around them. Although God was their ruler, He allowed Samuel to anoint king Saul.

B. At Saul’s coronation ceremony, Samuel commanded the people of Israel to testify of his integrity as their judge.

C. He demanded that they declare any wrongdoing or abuse of power in him. The people readily admitted that Samuel’s reputation was unimpeachable.

D. Would we be so confident to call our peers to commend our integrity?

E. I heard the story of a man speaking to a group of junior high school students in a Bible class who said, rather arrogantly, “Do you know why people call me a Christian?” A little voice answered, “Because they don’t know you?” A favorite quote, the source unknown, says, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

F. We must have a good reputation with those outside of the church

IV. We must develop a good reputation and protect it

A. Be an example to others

B. 1 Timothy 4:12 – Be an example to others

C. Even—and especially—in youth one must guard his behavior You need to demonstrate the standard of a pure, honest, and faithful life Young people, your parents, teachers, members of the church, and other good men and women will not look down on you when you live a dignified life bringing honor to the name of Christ.

D. Being a good example even when it requires hard choices

E. Philippians 2:14-16 – We shine as lights into the world You must resist the influence of those who would lead you to do wrong You must keep your promises and behave properly, even when it is difficult to do so and there is opportunity to disobey Some may consider you a fool for such care of your reputation, though often they will admire you for your right choices

F. 1 Peter 2:11-12 – Our enemies should be ashamed when they have nothing bad to say about us

G. This requires that we abstain from the lusts that lure us from Jesus How delightful when your enemies cannot defend their accusations

H. Remember that you share Jesus’ name

I. When we obey the gospel, we wear the name of Christ—a Christian is one who belongs to Christ.

J. When we are careless with our reputation and soil our name, Jesus’ name is also tarnished

K. If you are involved in immorality, drunkenness, lying, an uncontrolled tongue, or any other sinful practice, do not tell others about Christ and do not tell anyone that you are a member of the church at Northwood.

L. Correct the sinfulness and hypocrisy in your own life before you try to teach someone else. When you act like a defender of the truth while living an immoral life, you disgrace the gospel, dishonor the Savior, bring shame on the name of the church here at Northwood, and give the enemies of God occasion to blaspheme.

M. Live worthy of the gospel

N. Philippians 1:27 – Live worthy of the gospel This does not mean that we will be perfect but, when we sin, we do all we can to make amends for our wrong and humbly tell those who saw us sin that we do not approve of what we have done and have repented. We have responded to a high calling that demands holiness

O. Remember how quickly your name can become worthless

P. People buy security systems, safes, and hire guards to protect their silver and gold; your reputation is more valuable than silver and gold; therefore, protect it with all diligence.

Q. Ecclesiastes 10:1

R. A good name is like precious ointment; a damaged reputation is like a putrid perfume

S. It is sad when someone known for a dignified and holy life allows himself to indulge in unrighteousness.

T. We have probably all heard of preachers, elders, or other Christians who have done much for the kingdom, falling to foolish temptations and damaging their reputations, possibly irreparably. There are some preachers who committed adultery, who repented of their wickedness, but their sin is ever associated with their name. We must always remember that it takes a lifetime to build a good reputation yet only a few minutes to destroy it. Despite diligent effort, you may never repair a damaged reputation.

V. Our name will be praised or cursed in judgment

A. 2 Peter 3:11-13 – We must live good lives in anticipation of judgment

B. 1 Peter 1:17 – We will be judged for our behavior

C. What is your reputation with God?