Proverbs 22: 1 says: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
Late for a meeting, I rushed into a shop that rents out building equipment. Forms had to be filled in before I could take the equipment. Being late, I really didn’t have time for the paperwork. You can imagine my joyful surprise when the lady behind the counter said, “It’s Pastor Mes, he can bring the completed form when he returns the goods.”
I was being trusted because of my name. To cut a long story short, I was not late for my meeting. But for the rest of the day I thought of the value of a good name and reputation. Some of you may be thinking, “Isn’t there a hint of pride in the pastor’s heart?”
No! Realising the love and trust people give me in this great town, didn’t make me proud – it made me twice as determined not to disappoint others.
That is when I came face to face with the fact that it takes a lifetime to build a good name and one split second to destroy it. I have made it my final ambition in life to one day die without bringing shame to God or my family.
A good name is of more value than the golden apples that Hercules was tasked with finding.
