Building a good name is very important. Having a good reputation in God's eyes and in the sight of men brings many favours, allows us to exert our influence, and helps us establish good relationships that we can use for the glory of God.
Proverbs 22:1 tells us, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold." True enough, having a good name is way better than just having riches at your disposal. After all, we were born naked, and we won't be able to take our acquired riches with us to the grave when the time comes (see 1 Timothy 6:7).
A Good Name Helps Glorify God
Having a good name enables us to glorify God. A Christian with a good name to outsiders is synonymous to having a good testimony in front of them (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
When our name is beyond reproach in the sight of men, it will be easier for us to glorify God. After all, if we reflect God's character to those who don't know Him, we effectively act as His representatives.
Do you want to build a good name for God's glory? Here are some ways to do just that.
1. Grow in Christ-likeness
The best way to build a good name is to grow in the character of Christ Jesus, God's own Son. Of course it must be noted that many didn't like Him, and that is exactly the point: to stand up for what is right, true, just, fair, all doing so in and for the love of God.
Friends, if our aim in having a good name is so that we would be loved by all, we must be careful. "Friendship with the world is enmity with God," James 4:4 says. We must bear in mind that our primary goal in building a good name is to honour God and not to please men.
2. Practice Integrity
Jesus said, "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" (Matthew 5:37).
This is probably the simplest instruction regarding integrity.
As God's people, we will do well to walk our talk and live what we preach. We don't do that because we want the people to honour and love us for being people of integrity, but because we exercise our fear of the Lord, knowing that God sees us and will eventually judge us for all the things we did.
3. Do Your Best to Excel
Excellence is a great and desirable trait. Proverbs 22:29 tells us, "Do you see a man skilled at his work? He will serve kings, not obscure people." This is so true.
Aim to excel in your profession and in whatever thing you do. Do it not to gain the praises and applauses of the people around you, but because you are serving the Most High God. Colossians 3:23 tells us, "Whatever work you do, put yourself into it, as those who are serving not merely other people, but the Lord."
