What’s in a name?

More than we often imagine.

No matter where I’ve lived, whether Ohio or South Carolina, California or North Carolina, Ohio or Texas, Georgia or Oklahoma, I have always been greeted by the same question: “Are you Michael Guido’s brother?” And I always seem to have the same feelings surface: “I wonder what expectations they will have of me?” Or, “Will they expect me to be just like him?” Or, “Will he always get there before I have my opportunity to even try to establish my identity?”

In the final analysis, those questions did not matter. It was an honor to have Michael for a brother. Everywhere he went he “sowed God’s seeds.” Seeds of love and compassion; seeds of concern and conviction to reach the lost; seeds of grace and mercy; seeds of insight and understanding that would bring the Word of God to life; seeds that would change lives and mend families; seeds of hope and joy; seeds of light and life; seeds that inspired and encouraged everyone that heard or read them.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold,” wrote Solomon. I did not understand the significance of that verse for many years. Yes, I enjoyed many benefits of being identified with Michael. It did have its value. But, with the joy that came from having Michael as my brother came sadness for those who suffer the disgrace of a family member who led a life that defied God’s teachings and made life difficult for those who were harmed by their reputation.

But the challenge contained in this is not beyond any of us: we have the potential, with God’s power, to do whatever is necessary to live lives that establish a “good name.”

Prayer:  Father, give us Your wisdom and strength, insight and courage to leave a legacy worthy of Your love and name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me!”

That little phrase has been used by many parents and teachers to comfort children who have been harassed. Words used to describe another person are important because they are the foundation for one’s reputation. And, like it or not,  everyone has  a reputation.

Age is almost irrelevant when we talk about another person. Opinions are formed, decisions made and often  strengths or limitations are placed on another individual. Never mind “who said what,” an opinion is formed. Even first impressions or a few words shared about another person can last a life time. What is said and heard about someone can build them up or tear them down.

If the words are praiseworthy, they can bring honor to that person. If they are mean spirited, they may result  in a life of torment to the one defamed. Words stick and sometimes shatter hopes and dreams. What we do and what others say about what we do is important.

“A person is praised because of their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised,” wrote Solomon.
This “warning” reminds us that we are responsible for what others come to believe about us. Prudence describes the moral choices we make and are observed by others. If our choices are “honorable” we will be praised. Otherwise, our reputation for having a “warped mind,” or being a person “with a crooked heart” will come to light.

What a challenge this presents to Christians.

Prayer:  Lord, You observe us and others do the same. May our lives always bring honor to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 12:8 A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.

It was a dream come true. Robert Gonzales had practiced hard and worked long hours to become the racquetball champion. Finally the day came when he made it to the pro circuit and had an opportunity to play for the championship.

At match point he made a powerful shot into the front wall. The referee and linesman said it was good and he was declared the winner. However, he stunned the crowd. He shook his head back and forth while talking to the referee and said, “That shot hit the floor first and therefore I am not the winner.”

Sitting quietly after the match a reporter asked, “Why? Why did you admit that the ball hit the floor first?”

“Because it was the only thing I could do to maintain my integrity,” came the answer. “I can win another match, but I could never regain my integrity.”

Few things in life are as fragile as our integrity. It is our code of conduct, the very standard by which we live our lives and maintain our reputation.

However, there is more. Our reputation is who others think we are. But our character is who God knows us to be. Others may never realize that we have compromised our integrity. But God knows. And ultimately, finally, He is our judge and keeps the record.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we remain close to You by reading Your Word, spending time in prayer and in fellowship with others as we guard our integrity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:121 I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors.

Thomas Edison discovered that his factory had produced a battery that was faulty. As soon as the discovery was made, he immediately took action. He began a large advertising campaign informing people that he would give a refund to everyone who purchased a defective battery. Although the cost was one million dollars, it did not compare with the value he placed on his name.

It is critical for Christians to have an honorable name. Whatever we do, whatever we say, wherever we go we are representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. If we fail to live lives of integrity our witness will be damaged, our message questioned and our testimony impaired. And when that occurs, God’s name is damaged and His message becomes worthless.

Being honest and forthright in everything will eliminate our need to worry about being exposed or not living up to what God expects of us. He calls us to live lives that are in harmony with His Word, to follow Him and His eternal directions carefully and to ask Him to place a guard over our speech so we will not say things that are untrue, hurtful and harmful.

Prayer: Father, we ask that You will be at work in us and through us that we may represent You faithfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1

Arthur Rubinstein was one of the world's most celebrated pianists. He often wondered what the critics and his audience would say if someone else appeared to play in his place in a concert.

One night, with an assumed name and made up to look different with a disguise, he performed a concert before a large audience. After the concert, the critics agreed, "The gentleman who played this evening wasn't in a class with the great Rubinstein."

We are reminded in Proverbs that "A good name is more desirable than great riches; and to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."

God has called each of us to a life of service.

He has given us gifts and talents that He expects us to develop and refine. As we work with what He has given us, we develop a reputation for our accomplishments – whatever they may be. We become known to others not only by what we do but how well we do it. Our reputation, or our "name,” is a result of what we do with what God has given us.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to "earn" a good name, and bring great honor to Your name in doing so. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

At the end of the War Between the States, General Robert E. Lee was without a job. He was presented with two offers that had received his attention more than all the others. One offer was from a small college that could only assure him of a salary that would meet his basic needs. The other offer was from a great insurance company that would provide him with a large salary.

When this offer was presented to him, he was told by the leaders of the insurance company, “You really won’t need to work. We just want your name.”

“But,” Lee protested, “my name’s not for sale!”

Lee decided to accept the presidency of the college and he led Washington College into becoming one of the greatest educational institutions of his day. At his death they renamed it Washington and Lee University.

We find some great advice in the Book of Proverbs. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” Though wisdom may enable a person to achieve much prosperity, the rewards that matter most come from righteousness and kindness. In the end, they have more value than all the wealth in the world.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us to make wise decisions that always honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.