A GOOD NAME (1)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a)  ¹A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1 NIV). A good name is a title that inspires confidence, because the person behind it can be consistently depended upon to do what is legally and morally right, whatever the cost.

1. Why a good name is essential?

a) We represent God's name

i) As God's people, we are the only 'Bible' that many people read. Every business transaction must therefore represent the truth of  Scripture or the reputation of the Lord will be damaged.

@1. ² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. (2 Corinthians 3:2 NIV)

b) We honor our parents by it

i) The first commandment with a promise attached to it requires us to honor our father and mother. The promise is that only then will things go well with us.

@1. ¹Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV)

c) We pass it on to our children

i) More important than an inheritance of money is the heritage of a good name. Your children must bear the shame and reaction or the praise and benefit of what your name represents.

@1. ⁷ The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot. (Proverbs 10:7 NIV)

d) We need it for business transactions

i) The foundation of successful business is the reputation of the name behind it.

2. Basic requirement to earn a good name (reputation)

a) Be true to your word

i) Having a good name in business is primarily dependent upon the fulfillment of promises and commitments, whatever the cost. In this sense, a man's name is as good as his word.

@1. ¹ Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? ² The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; ³ whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; ⁴ who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind; ⁵ who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. (Psalms 5:1-5 NIV)

ii) Our children inherit this name from us and therefore they are blessed or curse by our name.

iii) God gives continual warning about making our words few and carefully chosen so that we can keep the promises that we make.

@1. ¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19 NIV)

@2. ² Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2 NIV)

iv) How do we keep our vows and promises?

i) To God

#1) Marriage vows, vows to serve God, daily bible reading, tithes and offerings, other vows.

ii) To family

#1) Promises made to our wife (ask her to list them).

iii) To Others

#1) Promises to friends and promises in business.

#2) Ask a trusted person to keep you accountable to fulfill each vow and promise.

The End ...