Bro. Eddie Ministries: The Word Gives InstructionSample

The greatest legacy a man could leave his children is a good name. It is one treasure that is hard to earn.

One anecdote tells about a man who went to his lawyer and made a hard request. “ I am going into a business deal with a man I do not trust. I want you to frame an airtight contract that he can’t break, and which will protect me from any sort of mischief he may have on his mind.”

His lawyer replied, “ Frankly, there’s no group of words in the English language that can take the place of plain honesty between men. There’s nothing that can be put in a contract that will fully protect either of you if one of you plans to deceive the other.”

He said it well.

A person is known through his character. People get to know him through the way he lives his life. And whatever he does, that becomes a mark that will cleave to his name. And whether his name would sound good or bad, it’s going to be his own making.
Being honest is a quality that we can rarely find these days. And it is so sad because those who play tricks are the ones much admired today. We can make a long list out of men and women who cheat on their spouses, politicians who buy votes and capitalists who exact too much profit.

There are a lot of people who do not mind leaving a bad mark on their names. They just go around dealing with others in deceit. They do not care who gets hurt along the way for as long as they enrich themselves and serve their interest.

Power, riches and fame can never redeem the sinful man. Only Christ can do it for him. Thus He warns,“…What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Paul said of it also. “…For the love of money is the root of all evil.” (I Timothy 6:10)

The Word of God further said, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

We sign our name on whatever thing we do. Whether it is done in secret or in the light. Whether it is good or evil.

Let us rather seek to establish a good name by conforming to God’s standard. It is an inheritance we can leave our children with great honor.

Reflection:

1. One of the lines made popular by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet novel was “What’s in a name?” So what’s in a name?

2. How would you want your name to be remembered?
The sound of our name either would cause a smile or a frown.