A Good Name.

If you are reading this on a computer, tablet, or mobile device, you have access to the Internet. If you have access to the Internet, you automatically have access to a Bible. There are so many websites that share the Word of God in numerous translations. Because we get so used to having the Bible at our fingertips, it can be easy to take its' content for granted.  As believers, we must be committed to reading the Word on a daily basis. It's the only way we'll be able to successfully handle the challenges and joys that Christ allows to come into our lives.

Proverbs 22:1 says that, "a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." One of the challenges I fight is the feeling that a good name really doesn't mean much anymore. In my opinion, a good name is earned. A good name doesn't happen overnight. A good name doesn't necessarily mean perfect. However, a good name works to bear the fruit of the spirit and grow in Christ daily. When I read Proverbs 22:1, the first question I instinctively ask God is, "Are you sure?" The reason I ask that is because right now in 2014, our culture declares that it is better to have silver, gold and riches than a good name. It doesn't matter who you step on to get to the top, just as long as you get there. What's at the top? A penthouse suite filled with silver, gold and riches. Let's face it. Money is oftentimes the bottom line. 

The fact that money is the bottom line is probably why it is so refreshing for me to see people who are motivated by purpose and passion to get up in the morning and do what they do. For some, it's not about the money but the higher calling and responsibility God placed on their lives. For those people, life is sweeter and greater because of the emotional and spiritual investments they are able to make in others. 

I recently heard a CEO answer a question about how it felt to reach success in her career and achieve financial freedom. It was interesting because the moderator seemingly expected a fairy tale answer of financial freedom being "more than she'd ever dreamed of." Instead, the CEO shared that financial freedom, the car and the beautiful home only made her more miserable. She believed that obtaining those special things would make her feel like she had "arrived" and they would finally fulfill her. However, money just buys stuff. Money can't fulfill you. The way she was able to get out of that place of discontentment was to connect with God and realize how to focus on joy and her purpose. Her purpose helped to bring a sense of contentment because she knew it was God-given and would fulfill her in ways that money could never do. 

If you're reading this blog and you're not financially free, don't wait until you get there to be happy and content in Christ. Don't chase after those things. Work hard and pursue Christ. As a result, you will obtain a good name. A good name magnifies the beautiful attributes of a Christ who loves us so deeply. You can encourage others to live a life that honors Him simply by your actions. Money is a great tool but it's not something to chase. It can't fulfill you and it certainly won't impress God. Pursue a good name. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and He will add all those others things! 

God bless you!

Happy New Year!

-dani