The Enduring Value of a Good Name

Devotional

Day 1: The Value of a Good Name Over Riches

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and this truth calls us to consider what our reputation and character say about us. In a world that often prioritizes wealth and status, Scripture reminds us that the legacy we leave through our actions, integrity, and faithfulness is far more enduring than any material possession. The way we live, the choices we make, and the consistency of our character will determine what is said about us when everyone knows our name. Let us strive to be known for Christ-like character, dependability, and a legacy that honors God above all else. [38:35]

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Reflection: When people hear your name, what qualities or values do you think they associate with you? What is one step you can take today to strengthen your reputation for Christ-like character?

Day 2: The Dangers of Following Your Own Way

Jeroboam’s story warns us of the consequences of choosing our own path over God’s. When we lean on our own understanding and follow what seems right in our own eyes, we risk setting a negative example and legacy for those who come after us. God’s ways are higher than ours, and true wisdom is found in trusting Him with all our heart, even when we don’t fully understand. Let us be people who seek God’s guidance and submit our plans to Him, knowing that His direction leads to life and blessing. [40:43]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you’ve been relying on your own wisdom instead of seeking God’s direction? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?

Day 3: Integrity and the Legacy of a Good Name

Integrity is the foundation of a good name, and the story of Joseph reminds us that our commitment to God must come before all else. Even when faced with temptation or pressure, Joseph’s first concern was not to sin against God, demonstrating that true integrity is rooted in our relationship with Him. Our choices, especially in private moments, shape the legacy we leave behind. May we be people whose names are associated with faithfulness, honesty, and unwavering commitment to God’s standards. [50:39]

Genesis 39:9 (ESV)
He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where your integrity was tested. How did you respond, and how can you ensure your first concern is honoring God in future moments of temptation?

Day 4: The Name Above Every Name

While having a good name is important, there is one name that is above every other—Jesus. No matter what challenges, labels, or circumstances we face, the name of Jesus is greater and holds power to save, heal, and deliver. Every situation, no matter how daunting, is subject to the authority of His name. Let your faith rise today, knowing that whatever you are facing, Jesus’ name is greater, and He is present to help you. [54:31]

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection: What is one challenge or “name” in your life that feels overwhelming right now? Take a moment to speak the name of Jesus over that situation and ask Him to show His power.

Day 5: Leaving a Godly Legacy

Our lives are meant to leave a legacy that points others to Christ, not just through our words but through the consistent testimony of our actions. Wealth and possessions will fade, but the impact of a godly life endures for generations. As believers, we are called to live in such a way that our name is associated with dependability, integrity, and faith in God. Let us be intentional about the legacy we are building, seeking to honor God in all we do so that those who come after us will be inspired to follow Him. [49:24]

Mark 8:36 (ESV)
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

Reflection: What is one practical way you can invest in your spiritual legacy today—whether through serving, encouraging someone, or making a choice that honors God?

Sermon Summary

A good name is more valuable than great riches, and the legacy we leave is shaped by the character and reputation attached to our name. In a world that often prioritizes wealth, status, and recognition, it is easy to lose sight of the enduring impact of a name built on integrity, faithfulness, and godly living. The book of Proverbs reminds us that a good name is to be chosen above material gain, because what people associate with our name—our dependability, our honesty, our love—will outlast any riches we accumulate.

Names carry weight, both in the world and in Scripture. Throughout the Bible, names are more than labels; they reflect the essence and destiny of a person. We see this in the contrast between names like Abraham, the father of many nations, and Jeroboam, whose name became synonymous with rebellion and sin. Our choices, our actions, and the way we treat others all contribute to the reputation that follows our name. The story of Jeroboam warns us of the danger in following our own way rather than God’s, and how a legacy of disobedience can echo for generations.

A good name is marked by dependability, integrity, and a Christlike spirit. It is a name that others can trust, a name that brings comfort and hope, and a name that points people to God. Wealth and possessions are fleeting, but a name rooted in godly character endures. Joseph’s story in Genesis is a powerful example: his commitment to integrity, even when tempted, preserved his name and honored God above all else.

Yet, as important as our own name and reputation are, there is a name that stands above every other: the name of Jesus. No matter what challenges or labels we face—be it depression, addiction, or failure—His name is greater. Jesus is our advocate, redeemer, and savior, and it is through His name that we find salvation, healing, and hope. Ultimately, our greatest legacy is not just a good name for ourselves, but a life that points others to the name above all names.

Key Takeaways

1. The value of a good name surpasses material wealth. While riches may come and go, the reputation and legacy attached to your name can endure for generations. What people remember about you—your character, your faithfulness, your love—will outlast any possession you leave behind. [38:35]
2. Names in Scripture are deeply significant, often reflecting a person’s character or destiny. Just as Jeroboam’s name became a standard for evil, our actions can define our legacy for better or worse. We must be intentional about living in a way that our name is associated with godliness, humility, and faithfulness. [45:23]
3. Dependability and integrity are hallmarks of a good name. When others know they can rely on you, your name becomes a source of trust and encouragement. Like Joseph, who chose integrity over compromise, we are called to honor God first, even when it costs us. [50:39]
4. The pursuit of wealth without regard for character leads to emptiness. Jesus warned that gaining the world at the expense of your soul is a hollow victory. Our focus should be on building a legacy of faith and righteousness, not just accumulating temporary riches. [49:24]
5. Above all, the name of Jesus is greater than any other name or circumstance. Whatever we face—be it sin, sickness, or struggle—His name has the power to save, heal, and deliver. Our ultimate hope and identity are found not in our own name, but in belonging to Him. [54:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:55] - Introduction: The Value of a Name
[34:42] - “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” and Cultural Reflections
[36:09] - The Legacy and Impact of Names
[38:35] - What Does Your Name Represent?
[39:31] - Names in Scripture: Meaning and Significance
[40:43] - The Downfall of Jeroboam: Choosing Your Own Way
[45:23] - Names Associated with Sin and Legacy
[46:41] - Modern Examples: Ponzi and Reputation
[47:17] - The Benefits of a Good Name
[48:27] - A Name That Outlasts Riches
[49:24] - Integrity and Character Over Wealth
[50:39] - Joseph’s Example: Integrity in Temptation
[52:09] - Living a Life That Leaves a Godly Legacy
[54:31] - The Name Above All Names: Jesus
[56:25] - The Power of Jesus’ Name and Invitation to Salvation
[57:24] - The ABCs of Salvation
[58:43] - Celebration and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV) — > A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Observation Questions

According to Proverbs 22:1, what is considered more valuable than great riches? Why do you think the writer makes this comparison?
In the sermon, what examples were given of names in the Bible that became associated with either good or bad reputations? ([39:31])
What did Jeroboam do that caused his name to become a standard for evil in the Bible? ([40:43])
How did Joseph respond when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, and what does this show about his character? ([50:39])

Interpretation Questions

Why does the writer of Proverbs say a good name is better than riches? What does this reveal about what God values most in a person’s life?
The sermon mentioned that names in Scripture often reflect a person’s character or destiny. How does this idea challenge the way we think about our own reputation and legacy? ([39:31])
Jeroboam’s legacy was defined by his disobedience. What does this teach us about the long-term impact of our choices, especially when we choose our own way over God’s way? ([40:43])
Joseph’s first concern was not to sin against God, even when no one else was watching. What does this reveal about the connection between integrity and a good name? ([50:39])

Application Questions

When people hear your name, what do you think they associate with it? Is there something you wish was different about your reputation? What steps could you take to change that? ([38:35])
The sermon talked about how wealth and possessions are temporary, but a good name can last for generations. Are there ways you have been tempted to prioritize material gain over character? How can you shift your focus this week? ([49:24])
Think about a time when you had to choose between doing what was right and what was easy. How did your decision affect your reputation or legacy? ([50:39])
Jeroboam tried to do things his own way instead of God’s way, which led to a negative legacy. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to “follow your own heart” instead of God’s direction? What would it look like to trust God’s way instead? ([40:43])
The sermon said that dependability and integrity are hallmarks of a good name. Who in your life do you consider dependable and full of integrity? What can you learn from their example? ([47:17])
The name of Jesus is above every other name, and it brings hope, healing, and salvation. Are there “names” (labels, struggles, or circumstances) in your life that you need to surrender to Jesus this week? How can you remind yourself of His power over those things? ([54:31])
What is one practical way you can point others to Jesus through your actions and character this week? ([54:31])

Sermon Clips

anytime you think you can do better than God you are surely setting yourself up for failure. We're talking about the God of the universe, the God that created you and I, the God that knows our end from our beginning, and we think that we know better than he does. That's a dangerous road to travel. [00:43:23] (19 seconds) #TrustGodsWisdom

I know society says to just follow your heart, but I would encourage you to be sure that it is a heart that is led and guided by the Lord. Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 and 6, trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding in all of your ways. Acknowledge him and he will direct your path. There is great danger in wanting to do things your way and not God's way. We may not like it. We may not even understand it, but God's way will always be better than our way. [00:44:07] (38 seconds) #FollowGodsPath

Jeroboam's actions set a standard for the lineage of evil kings that followed. They were literally measured by whether they continued in the sins of Jeroboam. Can you imagine that? Your name not just being synonymous with sin, but this man did something so evil that his name became the standard of sin. A name means a lot. Think about it. How many Judases do you know? If you scroll through your contact lists, your social media friends lists, how many Lucifers do you know? Huh? Those names have bad associations attached to them because of their character and their reputation. [00:45:07] (51 seconds) #LegacyOfSin

A good name provides dependability. Have you ever experienced a moment where you was getting ready for a project, whether at school or work, and they started going down the roll call of who was going to be a part of that project and that team, and you heard a certain name, and you said to yourself, oh man, not them. Why? Because you've seen or have experienced their track record of not being reliable or dependable. But when you have a good name, people know that no matter what you can be dependent on. [00:47:37] (41 seconds) #DependableReputation

What good are those riches and possessions if your name isn't reflective or associated with a lifestyle that is Christ-like? Mark chapter 8 verse 36, for what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? It is important for us that we don't get so caught up in gaining wealth and riches that are temporary. And we miss leaving a legacy of a good name that will last a lifetime. [00:49:03] (37 seconds) #SoulOverRiches

Make the choice. Make the choice of choosing a good name. So, it's as simple as this. Choose a good name. Because a bad name is not good. Don't end up like King Jeroboam having sins named after you. Your name can say a lot about you, which is determined by your character and your reputation. How you live your life will determine what is said about you when everybody knows your name. [00:51:51] (38 seconds) #ChooseAGoodName

while having a good name is good, my brothers and sisters, this cannot be overshadowed by the fact that there is still a name that is greater than a good name. There is a name that is greater than any other name. [00:53:07] (20 seconds) #NameAboveAllNames

There may be some of you in this place today who may be faced with what may seem like an impossible situation or circumstance. Allow me to take a moment and just encourage you in the fact that that situation or circumstance, yes, it has a name, and because it has a name, our faith should rise and increase in knowing that there is a name that is greater and more powerful than that name. [00:54:21] (26 seconds) #FaithOverCircumstance

The powerful name of Jesus has the power to save. And if you're in this place today or you're watching via live stream and you don't know God or you've been far away from God, promise of salvation is available to you today. This salvation can only be accessed through Jesus. [00:56:46] (23 seconds) #SalvationThroughJesus

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