What practical steps can you take to cultivate a good name today? The Value of a Good Name Proverbs 22:1 — “A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.” • Scripture treats reputation as a treasure that outweighs material wealth. • Because God’s Word is perfectly true, the principle stands for every generation. Foundational Attitudes • Fear of the Lord — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Reverence for God sets the tone for every choice. • Humility — “Clothe yourselves with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). Pride stains a name; humility polishes it. • Love for righteousness — “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). A passion for what pleases God shapes consistent conduct. Daily Habits that Protect Your Name • Begin each day in the Word (Psalm 119:105). Let Scripture set your agenda before the world does. • Pray for integrity (Psalm 139:23-24). Invite God to expose hidden faults early, before they surface publicly. • Keep short accounts with sin (1 John 1:9). Prompt confession prevents small compromises from hardening into patterns. Building Integrity in Relationships • Speak truthfully — “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25). Half-truths fracture trust. • Honor commitments — “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes, and your ‘No,’ no” (Matthew 5:37). Reliability cements a good name. • Show impartial kindness — “My brothers, do not show favoritism” (James 2:1). Fair treatment strengthens credibility. Guarding Your Speech • Choose gracious words — “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • Refuse gossip — “He who spreads slander is a fool” (Proverbs 10:18). Protect others’ names to protect your own. • Build up, don’t belittle — “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Stewarding Resources Well • Work diligently — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23). Excellence reflects well on Christ. • Handle money honestly — “Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice” (Proverbs 16:8). • Give generously — “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Open-handedness showcases God’s character. Living Transparently • Welcome accountability — “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). Trusted believers help keep your name untarnished. • Practice integrity when unseen — “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere” (Proverbs 15:3). Private obedience sustains public respect. • Admit mistakes promptly — “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). Owning failure often increases credibility. Persevering in Faithfulness • Stay consistent over time — “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Colossians 4:2). A good name is a marathon, not a sprint. • Endure trials nobly — “Keeping your conduct honorable… so that they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). Suffering handled well engraves your reputation. • Finish well — “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Timothy 4:7). A lifetime of loyalty to Christ crowns the good name you cultivate today. |
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