Jones is a fine name; so is Smith. Hitler is not.
It’s not the names themselves; they’re just words. It’s what the person does with it that makes the difference.
A good name is better than fine perfume.* It sends a scent ahead, and leaves one behind.
It’s the person that makes the name famous, or ruins it.
A good reputation is a reputation for doing good. It’s earned by many actions, and can be lost by one.
Bill Clinton was a state governor and a two-term US president. But is he remembered for his political achievements or his marital indiscretions?
What about OJ Simpson? He had a running good name, for awhile.
Reputation is what we earn when everybody’s watching. Character is formed when no one is. It’s best to have a reputation for a fine character.
An old proverb says, “A person with a bad name is already half hanged.”
Are there any Hitlers anymore? I think not. Any who had it changed it, or, so I read, stopped having children. Pretty extreme!
On the other hand, there are names that always carry honor, by the fame of lofty predecessors.
I’ve always been inspired by Joseph, the step father of Jesus. Not an “important” man, not rich; he was a regular worker, having character, a solid conscience and a dependable honesty. He was noticed by few but handed an important role. And that’s not to mention Mary and her quiet qualities.
Joe and Mary, fairly plain names, elevated to the heavens.
Our own roles may not be so special, but the requirements are the same: just our duty done with diligence. It’s all they did, and all we need to do.
A name is not just a word, but a fragrance.
Don’t stink.
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Ecclesiastes 7:1a
Next: The Wind Again, and the Number of Our Years. Coming Monday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
10:17 am
Beautiful…thank you Hyatt, I love your thought process!
10:38 am
Great, simple truth from the Word! Thanks for reminding us that we do have the responsibility for binging our name to its fullest intent.
11:47 am
Love this!
12:19 pm
Thanks Hyatt. Always an encouragement.
12:31 pm
Thank-you, another good word from God’s word.
2:39 pm
Defining of reputation and of character. Very well put, Hyatt. Thanks for clarifying.
4:02 pm
Thank you, Hyatt! Excellent as always!
6:10 pm
What neat thoughts! Loved them….
6:54 pm
Hyatt, thank you for reminding me that the ordinary life that I am given is important.
8:56 pm
Thank you Hyatt! Very profound and completely accurate! When put into writing and stated so well, as you have done here yet again, it is just so thought provoking. Then it convicts your heart in such a way that you rise to be the best person you can be, with God’s help, living your life focusing on building your exemplary character and not focusing on your reputation so much—–which you are right, can be lost in a second. Look what you do for us, Hyatt! Thank you! Blessings! Lisa
11:26 am
Oh Hyatt………….you never cease to inspire me, make me look at myself and try to follow the path…….I know is right. Thanks….as always.
Keep em coming…………..Write a book…..please.
1:43 pm
So here it is: Growing up my family had very little. But they always showed how to keep an honest, clean name. In my mother’s words: If there is water you can have a clean home. I thank God to have had parents who made me proud of my name.
Hyatt, thank you for bringing this to my mind.
Ursula Becker