HOW TO WRITE YOUR NAME
Scripture Reading: Genesis 12:1-3
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. - Genesis 12:2
Your name is one of the first words you get used to in life. It makes you feel special. No one likes it when their name is abused or linked with worthless individuals. Some names are easily associated with evil. They may not have been born like that but the world associates names like Hitler, Amin, Bokassa and Mussolini with negative legacy. On the other hand, Mandela, Gandhi and Mother Teresa are known for enduring kindness and goodness.
God told Abraham He would make his name great. What does that mean? Proverbs 22:1 says, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold." A good name is an access point for favour and opportunities.
Be deliberate about building a good name. Don't go promising what you cannot deliver. It compromises your reputation. Determine to be consistent and dependable. Opportunity often comes with a blank name slot. A good name perfectly fits into that slot. Proverbs 10:7 captures it perfectly, "The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot."
A name connotes three things. Your character is who you really are. This cannot be whitewashed or sugar coated. Your image is how you present yourself to the world. Your reputation is about public opinion or the way people see you. Ideally, all three must be aligned. You cannot build your life only on image. Your best bet is to focus on your character, and let that speak to your image and eventually your reputation.
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to develop a Christlike character that will influence my image and reputation.
