The Bible speaks of a good name being better than precious ointment. (Ecclesiastes 7:1) A good name is a person’s reputation. A reputation is built upon being able to believe what someone says. Can we count on them to do what they say they will do?
Proverbs 25:19 tells us that putting confidence in those not true to their word can be painful. How true! Soon we feel these people are not even filled with good intentions. We think they are just lying to us. Cicero said eventually liars are not believed even when they tell the truth.
As Christians, others should be able to depend on our good name. They should count on us to keep our word.
Thirty-five years we lived in Appalachia and wanted to purchase a little land so we could build a house. Farmer Brown had some acreage that caught our eye. When we met he told us he had a special affection for this particular parcel of land because he wanted to give it to his son to build on.
“Uh oh,” we thought. “Is he good or what?” We were city people and used to dealing with cunning sales people. We could feel the price rising even as we spoke.
Then he quoted us some astronomically low amount. He liked us. We were a nice, young couple with two small children and he wanted to help us. We quickly agreed and said we would have a contract drawn up immediately. He found this insulting. He said if we needed a contract the deal was off. His handshake should be a good enough bond for us. We trusted him and shook on it. He was refreshing, honest, and true to his word.
That was many years ago and I’m not sure we would have that kind of confidence in a man’s word today – even in Appalachia. There has been too much media exposure on ways to lie, cheat, and steal and even more glorification of those who do. Politicians, CEOs, salesmen, and almost everyone you meet are adept at twisting words to get what they want. If a “man is as good as his word,” then there are not that many good men left. Yet that doesn’t mean we can’t be one of them.
How good are we at keeping our word? Can we be counted on to do what we say? Can a person rely on us to follow through with our end of the bargain if all we give is a handshake to bind the deal? If we say we will be there to help someone, will we show up? These may seem like little things, but those who are faithful in the little things are faithful in the bigger things. (Luke 16:10)
A good name is very valuable. Believe it or not, it’s more valuable than riches! (Proverbs 22:1)
