A Good Reputation: Ecclesiastes 7
Wednesday in the Word:Ecclesiastes 7:1 “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.”
When you think of these names what do you think of?
Mary Mother of Jesus
Britney
Mother Theresa
Beth Moore
Hillary
Madonna
Angelina
I am sure that each name evoked an emotion within you based on their reputation. If your name was in that list would it be a “good name?”
Ecclesiastes says that “a good name is better than fine perfume”. When someone is wearing fine perfume and you sit down beside them – you say “wow, what are you wearing?” – you enjoy their aroma. In the same way, when you rub up against a person with a “good name” you say – “wow, I see God in you. I enjoy being in your presence.” You are drawn to that person.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 goes on to say that “the day of death is better than the day of birth.” In our worldly minds we would probably beg to differ – but think for a moment – those who attend a funeral are sober and thinking about the reality of the brevity of life – while those at a party can become foolish and do things they regret (and reap a “bad name”) because they were only living in the moment.
Having a reputation for godliness, wisdom and piety is FAR better than pursuing all the worldly pleasures we vainly pursue. We ought to pursue a “good name” because in the end – on the day of death – we will not be judged by man’s view of our name but God’s view. Is your name better than fine perfume?
Today, pursue Godliness…pursue God…be sober minded and consider what is your reputation and how can you shine like a light so others will see the love of God in you and praise his name?
I thought this song was appropriate for this verse. I have it downloaded on my ipod and play it as my cool down song after a long run. It’s sobering.
Walk with the King!
I loved reading your story, and saw so much of my own in it. My husabnd is also a minister and he also never attended seminary. His father was a minister and he was raised up in church. My husabnd became a Pastor about 6 months after we were married. I knew he was called, and I believe that being a Pastor’s wife is also a calling. I am so glad you are doing Minister’s Wife Monday. It is such a encouragement. I don’t have to tell you how much we need it!