When people hear your name, they are hearing much more than just the sounds of the letters put together. Connected to your name are countless other thoughts, words, and feelings. Adjectives – if you will. Words and thoughts that describe your personality, character, and reputation.

Here are some questions to ponder:

• How do people react when they hear your name?
  • Positive vibes or negative?
• What do your coworkers say about you when you aren’t in the room?
• Do your friends trust you enough to confide your thoughts and feelings?
• When someone needs assistance or advice, do they know you’ll be willing to help?
• What does your family think of when your name comes up in conversation?
  • Happy thoughts – or – Hurt feelings?

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Whether we are intentional about it or not, we are building our character (our name) every single moment of every single day… On the job, during the meetings, in the lunch room, at family dinners, and in all the mundane activities of the everyday.

The comments we make, the reactions we have, and the thoughts that we share… these all combine to make the image others have of us.

Let’s be honest, we have both good days and bad. I know (personally) that there are days when I am tired, cranky, or impulsive. I’m an extrovert sanguine, and – more times than I’d like to admit – I react or speak my mind without thinking twice. I’m human. We all are.

However, being human is no excuse. It’s time we take more responsibility for our character.. for our name.. for the image we are leaving with the world.

For a Christ-follower, each moment, each word, each reaction needs to be filled with His Spirit. Each moment – of the everyday grind – needs to be filled with purpose.

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This afternoon, as I was spending my quiet time with Jesus, I read these words:

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. <Proverbs 22: 1>

A good name… Not an acceptable name or a mediocre name. A good name. A name that is connected with wholesome and uplifting reactions from those we meet. This should be our goal. Our aim. Our desire.

A good name and reputation is worth more than money can buy. A good name and reputation pays you back in full. It’s something that proves itself over and over again.. without fail.

However, YOU are the only one who has control over whether your name is good or not.

You control what you say. You control how you react. You control your work ethic. You control how you present yourself. You control how you treat people.

Keep in mind: If you claim to be a Christian, you don’t just represent yourself, but you represent the name of Jesus to the whole, wide world!

Wow! That’s convicting. Challenging. And, even a little scary.

My friend, it’s never too late to make a change. It’s never too late to start over. It’s never too late to make changes. To be better. To do better. To be INTENTIONAL with your life.

Don’t be discouraged.. be determined!

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My final question for you: Which silent words come stringing along behind your name?

• Nosy, Gossiper, Complainer, Irritating, Lazy, Unreliable, Useless, Degrading, Frustrating

OR

• Kind, Considerate, Helpful, Trustworthy, Selfless, Determined, Approachable, Reliable

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When people hear your name, I hope you’re confident that good words and positive vibes follow.

 

Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash