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A Good Name!

| Josh Shields

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished…
 —Proverbs 22:1-3

 

Recently, I was privileged to take one of our grandsons to a basketball camp put on by the legendary head coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks. I sat and listened as he gave instruction to young minds that most homes may never teach them.

  1. There is nothing wrong with being a good person. Take time for people and let them know you see them. Give them a handshake, simple greeting, even a picture or two, and don’t cover your mouth in front of them trying to hide what you are saying. In short, embrace humanity.
  2. His closing remarks, “The name on the front of the jersey is not nearly as important as the name on the back.”

Solomon left this same advice to his heirs several thousand years ago before Facebook, X, iPhones, iPads, android devices and instant communication. With the dipping of a quill into the ink and striking the parchment, he said, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”  Modern translation: The name on the back of the jersey is more important than the name of the front.

Can I ask what are you doing with the name you were proudly given by your parents when you entered this world? What legacy are you leaving? Have you tarnished, scratched, dented, stained, smeared, or smudged the only thing you will take with you when you leave this world?  Today is a new start. Take the advice of the wise man Solomon. Become a prudent man looking ahead in every transaction, conversation, deed and duty. Hide yourself from evil.

 

Our prayer for you this week: May the legacy you leave be woven with the love and guidance of Jesus the Christ, leaving a legacy of a good name.