DCLM Sincere Milk 4 June 2023 — A Good Name
Topic: A Good Name
Text: Proverbs 22:1-6
2The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.
3A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
4By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
5Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Key Verse: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1
Message
Names are indeed very important. Someone said we go through life with three names; the names our parents gave us, the names others gave us (our reputation) and the name we give ourselves (our character). What character do you exhibit everywhere you go? What names do people call you? Do they know you to be a friend of Jesus? Although reputation is important, character matters more.
However, Jesus spoke of yet another name that is even more important. This is the name He promised to give to overcomers. This name will be inscribed (written) in a white stone and it will be unique and known to the one who has it. This goes to show that it is not the name people give you or that you give yourself that counts but the question is who does Jesus say you are? Are you quiet, well-mannered with a godly outlook in the church and at home but exhibit another trait in the school and other social gatherings? God knows exactly who you are.
Does your reputation match up with your character? How does your character reflect who you are in Christ? Think deeply on these questions and strive to live a righteous life so as to be entitled to a new name in glory.
Further Reading: Revelation 2:17
Prayer for today: Lord help me to receive a new name through my submission to the Lordship of Christ.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
