Your Name

Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important things you will ever own is not your house, your intelligence, your good looks, nor your wealth. Your most valuable asset is your name.

When your name is uttered, what connotation does it bring to the hearers’ ears? Do they first contemplate, “Oh, he has lied in the past, so chances are what he says may not be the truth”?

When you are mentioned, do they giggle and remember all the foolish things you have done, and because of your past, refuse to take anything you do seriously? Does the label “adulterer” flash through their minds when you are mentioned, because of sinful behavior in the past? Are you branded as a cheat forever, because of having been caught in class many years ago? When “hard worker” is mentioned, is your name the first one they think of? Are you always remembered positively, because of your concern and care of others?

What we do or say usually burns an impression in people’s mind of who they think we are, and what they think of us and our character. It is an impression that is difficult to change or erase from their memory. The value others put on our name often dictates how we will be treated by them. It may affect job placement; how we are treated in school, or even who will agree to marry us. Others’ opinions and thoughts when our name is mentioned have a lot to do with who we are, and who we will be.

Most of the references in the Bible using “name” have to do with God’s name. All through the Bible His name has earned others’ respect. His name stands for justice, truthfulness, faithfulness, one who is able to do the “impossible”, and the one to go to in time of need.
“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Psalms 8:9 Also: Psalms 8:1, Psalms 29:2, Psalms 102:15, Isaiah 9:6

The Bible does have something to say about the values our name can have. Here is some of what the Bible says our name can mean to others:

The Bible says the reputation your name brings is of great value.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Do good and the right thing, and your name will have a positive meaning to many. Do wrong and your name will be forgotten, or it will not be a pleasant memory to those that know you. If your name has a negative connotation, it is usually no one’s fault but your own.
“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.” Proverbs 10:7
An ointment may be fragrant and smell good to many, but it will not affect as many as will one with a good reputation. The loss of such a wondrous person with a good name will be a great tragedy to those that were touched by his life.
“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1
God will not honor the reputation of those that did not honor him.
“Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.” Psalms 9:5
Those that love God will have a good reputation for doing so.
“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” I Corinthians 8:3

Our lives impact many. What impact did we leave in their minds when we interacted with them? What do others think when they remember us?

To keep a good reputation: “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
— I Thessalonians 5:22

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #232.