Guided in Starlight

The wise king Solomon wrote:

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold (Proverbs 22:1 NKJV).

A good name is a good reputation. Your reputation becomes synonymous with your name. One with such a reputation will be spoken of highly when one’s name is spoken. While having a good name is to be preferred over silver and gold, the truth of this verse goes deeper than that. It is not just a matter of preference, it is a matter of choice. One’s name (reputation) will be the result of the choices one makes in life. The choices you and I make will affect our name. Choices have consequences, either good or bad. It is much easier to build a bad reputation than a good one. To build a good reputation, one must consistently make good choices. A bad reputation can be had by making bad choices, being indifferent, apathetic, or lazy. This is why a good reputation is worth so much! It is hard to come by, and the value placed on it is priceless. A good reputation will earn you respect, trust, and honor. A bad reputation will bring shame, distrust, and heartache. The following are some things to consider that will affect your reputation:

One thing that can have great impact on your reputation is your friends. Paul wrote:

“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33 ESV).

This scripture states a truth that has been proven countless times, yet many Christians still choose friends who are immoral! Many think they are above the influence of their friends and cannot see that they themselves are becoming as immoral as those with whom they have chosen to associate. A child of God should love all people and be a friend to all with whom they have contact. This does not mean that they should fraternize with sin in the process!

A good friend who will help a person become what they have the potential to be. Solomon emphasized this value in a friend when he wrote:

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Prov. 27:17 NKJV)

A true friend will speak the truth. Although the truth is not always easy to hear when it concerns us, it will help us become what we need to be. It will help us make the right decisions. When a person is starting to make bad decisions, a true friend will help to guide that person in the right. A true friend will help you get to Heaven. A true friend will help you have a good name, not ruin your name because of your association with them.

Choose wisely the paths that lay before you. Choose wisely those who will walk those paths with you. Choose a good name. It will serve you well.

With love, Michael