A GOOD NAME IS WORTH MORE THAN MONEY

Proclamation:

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold.”  Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon.  Even though he had great wealth and all that money could buy, Solomon put material wealth in proper perspective.  A good name is more valuable than great wealth or anything that money can buy.

Application:

Your reputation is what people say about you, but your character is who you really are.  A “Good” name is not the name that you were born with, it is the name that you earn by the kind of person that you are.  It is better to have a “Good” name than to have great riches.  Our behavior says much more about us than our words. (1 Samuel 2:3)  There are some things, like favor with The Lord God, which money cannot buy. (Acts 8:20)  Do those things which will help you to earn a “good” name, and obeying The Word of God is the best thing that we can do.  Remember, The Lord God sees all of the actions of men.  When all is said and done, we want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

MAY OUR GOOD WORDS AND OUR HEARTS MATCH

Proclamation:

"These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.  They worship Me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." Matthew 15:8-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were spoken by Jesus, The Christ, and recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  In response to some Pharisees who had questioned the behavior of His disciples, Jesus said that the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah was right when he prophesied about them saying that they were honoring God with their words, but their words did not reflect what was in their hearts. (Isaiah 29:13)

Application:
We need to be very careful when we speak.  God knows exactly what is in our heart, how we really feel, and what we truly believe.  It is not good for us to say one thing when we actually believe differently. (Mark 7:6)  Maybe we should just say "yes" when we mean yes and say "no" when we mean no, and not say very much else. (Matthew 5:37 and James 5:12)  We talk a lot and frequently say things to impress people.  The more we talk, the more likely we are to say something that is offensive to God.  If we truly believe in The Lord God, then our thoughts, words, and actions should reflect our beliefs.  It is sinful when we say something, knowing that we really believe something totally different.  Let's be true to our belief in God, let's make sure that our good words and our hearts match each other.