A good name is a valuable asset

By Rev. Dr. DAVID L. CHANCEY
Religion Columnist

Twenty years ago, Democrat Gary Hart was sweeping the nation as he ran for president. Even die-hard Republicans were being pulled into Hart’s campaign. Many Americans liked the ideas of this man and pledged to vote for him. Then came the news that he’d had an affair with a woman named Donna Rice. When this scandal hit the press, his campaign went downhill and eventually Hart pulled out of the race.

His good name suffered a setback that possibly cost him the presidency. The Bible says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). In the Old Testament the person’s name represented their character and integrity. Proverbs reminds us that a good reputation is more valuable than any amount of money or material possession. It’s better to be poor and have a great reputation than to be loaded and have a sorry reputation.

A person with a good reputation respects himself and respects others. What does this mean? If you want people to respect you, then be honest. Always tell the truth, and never misrepresent the facts. Do not mistreat nor take advantage of anyone, especially in business.

Recently, ABC News Primetime took a poll of students ages 12-17. More than seven in ten teenagers said students in their school cheat on tests, and almost as many say cheating on homework is widespread also. Is this honest?

An article in another local paper reported that the Gospel Music Association found disappointing results to a recent online poll. Overall, the online survey of 1,449 teenagers found that 80 percent of teens participating had engaged in at least one kind of music piracy, such as making copies of CDs for other people, downloading unauthorized free music or uploading music files to share with others. Researchers found that 77 percent of Christian teens engaged in music piracy as compared with 81 percent of other teens. Is this honest?

If you want people to respect you, then be humble. Don’t be known for arrogance or pride, nor have a haughty spirit. You can be confident without being arrogant. Proverbs 16:18 reads, “Pride goes before destruction.”

If you want people to respect you, then be reliable. Do what you say you’re going to do, be where you say you’re going to be, and be on time. If you can’t keep an appointment, have the courtesy to call, apologize and reschedule. If you promise someone to do something, then do it. Don’t make promises out of good intentions that you cannot keep.

If you want people to respect you, then be generous. Be one who is a giver, not a taker. Find ways to help people and do nice things for people just because it’s a kind gesture.

Marian Preminger was born into a rich family in Hungary in 1913. She was raised in a castle, surrounded by all the items of luxury. When Marian’s family traveled, her grandmother insisted that they take their own linens. She thought it was unhealthy to sleep on linens used by common people.

In 1948, the legendary doctor and missionary Albert Schweitzer visited Europe. Marian met the famous man and had a life-changing encounter. When Schweitzer returned to Africa, Marian went with him. This woman who had been raised in the lap of luxury began giving herself away to others and immersed herself in meeting human needs.

In her biography, “All I Ever Wanted Was Everything,” she told of how she had almost everything that she wanted, but it never really satisfied. It was only when she began to serve others that she found genuine satisfaction. When she died in 1979, her obituary included the quote, “Albert Schweitzer said there are two classes of people in the world, the helpers and the non-helpers. I am a helper.” She had learned the meaning of generosity.

What do people think of when they hear your name? A good name is a valuable commodity, so guard it zealously.

(Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor of McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville. The church family invites you to join them this Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. Vacation Bible School is June 7-11. The church is located at 352 McDonough Road, just down the street from the soccer fields.)