The Value of a Good Name

I. A good name has great value

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

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

B. We already own something that can have more valuable than any of these things yet, through our negligence or willful misconduct, we can make it practically worthless: our name.

II. A name is important as it represents something more than the collection of letters; it summons to our mind an idea of something and someone we associate with that name.

A. Parents often think long an hard about what name to give their children.

1. The last name belongs to the family and, collectively, the family needs to ensure that, on the whole, that name is associated with a good reputation.
   • There are family names that are associated with trouble, uselessness, and a burden on the community, despite the few notable exceptions.
   • Some family names are associated with kindness, generosity, helpfulness, and faithfulness, despite the few that go against the grain.
2. Parents will choose the first and middle names based on other family members who are or were dear to them, people they admired, or a name to live up to.

B. After this, it is up to the child to determine what thoughts and memories that name will summon in the minds of those who hear it.

III. A good name has always been a valued possession in the eyes of God and men.

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

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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. After the War Between the States, Robert E. Lee 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.”
   • He refused this when his material possessions were few.
   • That $50,000 probably had the value of $1,000,000 today-or more!

C. Proverbs 10:7: “The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”

1. Several people dear to us have died recently and many have gathered to honor their memory and the lasting legacy godliness, humility, and service that was aroused when one mentioned their name.
2. But the name of the wicked—those who have taken instead of given, hurt instead of healed, destroyed instead of built—have names that are associated with their wickedness: Hitler, Judas, Jezebel, Ahab, Cain, Balaam, Mussolini, etc.
3. The successful investor, Warren Buffett, said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

IV. Bible Examples

A. Samuel’s example: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:5

1. The people demanded that Samuel to appoint a king so they could be like the nations around them
2. Although God was their ruler, He allowed Samuel to anoint king Saul.
3. At Saul’s coronation ceremony, Samuel commanded the people of Israel to testify of his integrity as their judge.
   • He demanded that they declare any wrongdoing or abuse of power in him.
   • The people readily admitted that Samuel’s reputation was unimpeachable.

B. Timothy’s Example, Acts 16:1-2

1. Paul needed help and Timothy had a good reputation among the believers in the area.
2. His reputation was built long before Paul arrived.

V. We wear the name of Christ

A. Believers wear our family name and the name of Christ.

1. Christian means one who belongs to Christ
2. Our lives must live up to the name of Jesus

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

1. Even—and especially—in youth one must guard his behavior.
2. You need to demonstrate the standard of a pure, honest, and faithful life.
3. 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.

C. Philippians 2:14-16 – We shine as lights into the world

D. 1 Peter 2:11-12 – Our enemies should be ashamed when they slander us

E. Philippians 1:27 – Live worthy of the gospel, Our calling that demands holiness

VI. Remember how quickly your name can become worthless

A. 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.

B. Ecclesiastes 10:1: a damaged reputation is like a putrid perfume

1. It is sad when someone known for a dignified and holy life allows himself to indulge in unrighteousness.
2. 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 beyond repair.
3. Despite diligent effort, you may never repair a damaged reputation. Though we should never give up trying if we find ourselves in this position.

VII. 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?