Your Name And Character!

Scripture Text: "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” — Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)

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Your reputation is the echo of your character, and both will outlive you.

I recently came across a sobering story on the media, a story that stirred deep reflection. It was about the sudden death of a highly placed police officer in Akwa Ibom State ( Nigeria).

News of his passing spread like wildfire across the state. But what was more striking than his death was the reaction it provoked.

In the comment sections of various news outlets and social media platforms, not a single person had a kind word to say.

Testimonies poured in—stories of corruption, injustice, brutality, and abuse. Many claimed they were wrongly imprisoned or intimidated under his command.

Some were robbed of peace, freedom, and dignity. Even more chilling, it was said he was deeply involved in diabolical practices. Yet, none of his charms could preserve his life.

He held authority, but he abused it. He had influence, but he used it to oppress. He had a name, but now it stinks in the memory of those he affected.

This man’s story teaches one truth: your name and your character will speak for you, even when you’re no longer here.

It was John Wooden who said,

our reputation is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Your character is what God knows about you all the time.

God places each of us where we are, not to be gods over others, but to be servants of His purpose, carriers of His love, and examples of His nature.

Leadership is not license for wickedness. Influence is not immunity from judgment. Whether in public service, ministry, family, or business, how we treat others defines our legacy.

WHY YOUR NAME MATTERS

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:1 (KJV):

“A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.”

Why?

Because by the end of your journey, your name becomes the summary of your deeds.

Paul urged Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV):

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”

This means building character is not optional — it’s an eternal investment.

How To Return And Begin Living Rightly?

The following are the key pathways to return from the wrong side to God's will:

1. Genuinely Repent and Turn to God

The Bible assures us that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”— 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

This is to say, that no matter how far you’ve gone, God’s arms are open to restore you.

He is always waiting with open and outstretched arms to welcome as many who wants to return back in repentance.

2. Seek God’s Word as Your Daily Compass

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”— Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

God’s Word shapes character. It directs and convicts us to live in integrity.

The Word of God is not only life, it is our mirror, showing our true being and not what the world shows us.

3. Submit to God’s Spirit for Transformation

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)

The Spirit of God works daily in us to prune pride, heal bitterness, and mold us into Christ’s image.

The Spirit sanctifies our heart through the word we hear, that's why Jesus also said, "that the word of God he says to us makes us clean,"

4. Live to Serve, Not to Rule

“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”— Matthew 23:11 (KJV)

Leadership and influence should always flow from love and service, not selfish gain.

Jesus said he is not amongst us as a ruler, but as a servant!

In the same light we must always remember that every one born of God has been predestined to conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

The Word (Jesus )is Life, and that life is the light of men !

5. Choose Relationships That Reinforce Godliness

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”— 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

Surround yourself with those who value integrity and who help sharpen your walk with God.

As believers we must understand the time we are living in, and watch the kind of people we allow into our cycle of friends to avoid been mislead.

Many of those we call friends could be the enemy in disguise. Recall that Satan roams about like a roaring lion looking for those who will fall victim to his cunning antics

Also, You must learn to sieve from the words you hear, often times most of the people utter corrupt and irresponsible words that do not hold eternal value.

Paul said, all things are lawful, but not all things are permissible.

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. What do people associate with your name?

2. If your life ended today, what legacy would your character leave?

3. Are there people you need to make peace with or forgive?

4. How would God judge your treatment of others?

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: Help me to build a name and legacy that brings You glory.

Father, IJN: Forgive me for the ways I have hurt others through pride, fear, or selfishness.

Dear Holy Spirit: Renew my heart and make me a vessel of godliness and compassion.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

“The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.”— Proverbs 10:7 (KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

Think of three people whose lives you have impacted, positively or negatively.

Pray for them, and reach out to anyone you've wronged. Begin building a name worth remembering.

Your name is your witness. Your character is your crown. Build both to honor God, not just in life - but even after life.