Waist Deep 2018 - June 10


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


Death terminates all wealth.*


We have heard of people who have “made a name for themselves.” Generally speaking, it implies something good and positive. God’s name represents who and what he is, and ours should, too.* Anyone who prefers riches to a good reputation is being short-sighted. We can do good works with our riches but a good name gives us influence and glorifies God. Wealth, as someone pointed out, brings stress, exposes us to danger and adds no value to the person.*

Paul’s list of qualifications for elders did not include the requirement that one had to be rich, but he did insist that he have a good reputation with outsiders. (I Timothy 3: 7) In Luke 2: 52, we read that Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and men. If it’s important for Jesus to enjoy a good reputation, it’s important for us. 

A final word of caution: while a good name is desirable and to be sought after, we are not guaranteed that people will speak well of us. After all, Jesus didn’t instruct us to go into the world and create a positive image,* he told us to go into the world and preach the gospel.


If the world responded as it did to the life and teaching of Jesus, then we shouldn’t be surprised or discouraged when we fail.*


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