[1] “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” — Proverbs 22:1 NIV
One time, my cousin asked me to search for a course in a tertiary school for him which, after completion, he’d earn more money. And I asked him, “Why are you schooling?” He said, “All because of money.” I said, “That’s wrong. You don’t go to school because of money but for purpose. So if you know your divine assignment, you’ll pursue education in that specific light, live a meaningful life with a good name and money will just come.” He looked surprised at my answer. But at least it settled the confusion he had in his mind.
I wasn’t surprised when I read Proverbs 22:1, that said a good name is more desirable than great riches. But we live in an evil age, where it’s unnatural to see what’s good, and find expression, except by the labour of godly people. So even though having a good name is more desirable than great riches, the natural man doesn’t understand it. That’s why it’s common for people to do all kinds of evil acts, such as fraud, just to acquire wealth. It’s sad, but it’s happening.
Only God can help you get a good name, not your lifestyle. The corruption that happened to man in the Garden of Eden, way back in Genesis 3, has had such an effect on the character of man that no human strategy can be used to correct it. That’s why Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost, and that includes people’s salvation and transformation.
You cannot walk in good works if you’re not in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). So it’s good to desire a good name, but beyond that, draw near to God. If you seek Him with your heart, you’ll find Him. And the more you grow intimate with Him, He’ll keep loading you with the same things people work so hard to get (see Matthew 6:33). Don’t worry about your life. Follow Christ.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the revelation that a good name is more desirable than great wealth. Today, I choose to draw near You because I know You have the power to transform my life in order to walk perpetually in good works. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 222
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