Not For Sale!

As we survey our life, it is not always what we have to lose that should capture our attention, but rather what we dare not lose, give away or sell that should be kept in focus. Some things we can lose and still survive. That which speaks to our CHARACTER ought to be closely guarded since that is a reflection of the very essence of our being.

The story has been told that following the American Civil War, managers of the infamous Louisiana Lottery approached Robert E. Lee, asking if he would allow them to use his name in their scheme. They even promised he would become rich if he did. Astounded, Lee straightened up, buttoned his gray coat, and shouted, "Gentlemen, I lost my home in the war. I lost my fortune in the war. I lost everything except my name. My name is not for sale, and if you fellows don't get out of here, I'll break this crutch over your heads!" [original source unknown]

Solomon stated. . .
"A GOOD NAME IS TO BE CHOSEN RATHER THAN GREAT RICHES, and favor is better than silver or gold." ( Proverbs 22:1 ESV)

An HONORABLE REPUTATION before the world begins with the sustaining of GOOD CHARACTER within and is to be prized. A GOOD NAME is that which can be neither bought nor sold, but rather cultivated, established, and maintained in recognition of our accountability before God. Once a GOOD NAME is lost it is difficult, if not impossible, to be regained.

Being of such CHARACTER is to live a life modeled after our Lord Who, in the flesh, was described as growing in the manner in which we also ought to grow. Luke recorded. . .

"And JESUS INCREASED in wisdom and in stature and IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MAN." ( Luke 2:52 ESV)

This is also the description of the manner in which Samuel grew. ( 1 Samuel 2:26) But it begins with the focus of living life before God and then among mankind. May we retain a GOOD NAME that reflects the wisdom of GODLY CHARACTER. If we lose that, we really have nothing!

Have a great day STRIVING TOWARD GOD FAVORED LIVING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Character