We bring you series of Devotional messages from Bro. Michael Amponsem, who is a Mathematics Tutor at Kumasi Girls Senior High School.
Heavenly Dews Devotionsđź’¦
Date: Thursday 23rd Sept., 2021.
Topic: Everlasting Riches!
Part 2: Good Name!
Text: Prov 22:1
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold (ESV).
One of the eternal riches we need in this life is Good Name. Since most people don’t get to choose their names, why does Proverbs 22:1 say, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches?” Likewise, why does Ecclesiastes 7:1 similarly suggest that, “A good name is better than fine perfume?”
The word name in both verses means “reputation,” “standing,” and “the general recognition of a person.” When the Bible talks about good name, it is referring to a person’s reputation, their character, their actions, and the qualities they are known for. Both riches (silver and gold) and honorable reputations are good. But if one has to choose between them, Solomon says, “Choose a good name.” Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, for example, chose wealth; he imposed higher taxes on the people rather than the love and respect of his people. Choosing poorly, he lost most of his kingdom.
Proverbs 22:1 is not suggesting that it is wrong to have a lot of money and possessions. Wealth is not the culprit, but how we obtain it matters. If we acquire riches at the expense of destroying our reputation and character, then we have paid too high a price. Be mindful that, riches are worthless if, in pursuing them, we ruin our character. Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain.
Shakespeare, in one of his plays put Proverbs 22:1 in a wise word. He said; “Good name in men and women is the immediate jewel of their souls.” At the Judgement Seat of Christ, names will play an integral part. Those who do not have good names written in the Book of Life will be destroyed by the Lord in the lake of fire. The Bible says that, “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15). Is your name in the Book of Life?
Prayer:
Everlasting God, my humble prayer is that save me from the love of money and write my name in the Book of Life. Thank You for an answered prayer. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.
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