“A Good Name”
Character, Reputation And Influence
Introduction
I. Many seek a good name through the pursuit of fame,
fortune, and honors.
A. Indeed, a good name is something to be
desired…
"A good name is rather to be chosen than
great riches…." (Proverbs 22:1)
B. However, as the above verse suggests, a good
name is not dependant on wealth, fame, and
worthless honors.
1. Rather, it is one’s character, reputation, and
influence that earns one a good name.
II. Definitions
Character (definition):
“The complex of mental and ethical traits marking
and often individualizing a person, group, or nation”
(Webster’s Ninth Collegiate).
1. This is objective--what you truly are as a person.
2. Many forces come to bear upon us.
a. We must let the right forces shape us for
good and be unyielding to those that would
ruin us.
b. What kind of person do you honestly know
yourself to be?
B. Reputation (definition):
“1. a. Overall quality or character as seen or
judged by people in general, b. recognition by other
people of some characteristic or ability; 2. A place in
public esteem or regard: good name” (ibid).
1. This is a subjective assessment of what you are
by others; it does not always accurately reflect
character.
2. Ananias had “a good testimony” (Acts 22:12);
Cornelius was a Gentile with “a good reputation”
among the Jews (Acts 10:22); the early
Jerusalem church was to select seven men “of
good reputation” (Acts 6:3).
3. When your name comes up in conversation,
what kind of things might be said?
C. Influence (definition):
“2. An emanation of spiritual or moral force,
4. the power or capacity of causing an effect in
indirect or intangible ways. Under synonym note:
‘influence may apply to a force exercised and
received consciously or unconsciously’” (ibid).
1. Everyone possesses some degree of influence
though many deny it (athletes, actors, TV
producers, etc.).
a. These don’t want to be held accountable
for their negative influence.
b. But their actions have consequences and
they are coming to light.
2. What might others be persuaded to do by
following your example and citing you as an
inspiration?
III. Illustrations
A. The terms – character, reputation, influence -
are benign; they are defined by the standard
used to assess them.
(benigh-neutral or harmless in the effect or influence.)
B. Examples:
1. Negative example: Paul before conversion.
a. Character: (…lived and acted in good
conscience, Acts 23:1).
3For ye have heard of my conversation
in time past in the Jews' religion, how that
beyond measure I persecuted the church
of God, and wasted it: 14And profited in
the Jews' religion above many my equals
in mine own nation, being more
exceedingly zealous of the traditions of
my fathers" (Gal. 1:13-14)
b. Reputation:
"13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have
heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done to thy saints at
Jerusalem: 14And here he hath authority
from the chief priests to bind all that call
on thy name" (Acts 9:13-14)
1) Ananias clearly knows Paul’s threat
and is afraid.
2) But the Jews would have praised Paul
for the same qualities.
c. Influence – Acts 22:4-5.
"4And I persecuted this way unto the
death, binding and delivering into
prisons both men and women. 5As
also the high priest doth bear me
witness, and all the estate of the
elders: from whom also I received
letters unto the brethren, and went to
Damascus, to bring them which were
there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be
punished" (Acts 22:4-5)
1) Ironically, his influence inadvertently
spread the gospel! (Acts 8:1-4).
2. Positive example: Barnabas.
a. Character:
1) Generous, compassionate, and a man
of action:
"Having land, sold it, and brought
the money, and laid it at the apostles'
feet." (Acts 4:37)
2) Courageous, and open-minded:
"But Barnabas took him, and
brought him to the apostles, and
declared unto them how he had seen
the Lord in the way, and that he had
spoken to him, and how he had
preached boldly at Damascus in the
name of Jesus." (Acts 9:27)
3) Accepted the Gentiles openly:
"Who, when he came, and had seen the
grace of God, was glad, and exhorted
them all, that with purpose of heart they
would cleave unto the Lord." (Acts 11:23)
b. Reputation:
1) Know as:
"Son of encouragement.’’
"And Joses, who by the apostles
was surnamed Barnabas, (which is,
being interpreted, The son of
consolation,) a Levite, and of the
country of Cyprus," (Acts 4:36)
2) He was trusted by the apostles:
"Then tidings of these things came
unto the ears of the church which was
in Jerusalem: and they sent forth
Barnabas, that he should go as far as
Antioch." (Acts 11:22)
c. Influence: mediated Paul’s
acceptance.
"27But Barnabas took him, and brought
him to the apostles, and declared unto
them how he had seen the Lord in the
way, and that he had spoken to him, and
how he had preached boldly at Damascus
in the name of Jesus. 28And he was with
them coming in and going out at
Jerusalem" (Acts 9:27-28)
IV. Observations
A. Some can have a good reputation with a bad
character - people can be deceived, but not God.
"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis
write; These things saith he that hath the seven
Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy
works, that thou hast a name that thou livest,
and art dead." (Revelation 3:1)
B. Some can have a bad reputation though their
character is good [Some want to be thought of
as “bad” (celebrity mystique); others
misunderstood].
"Having your conversation honest among the
Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you
as evildoers, they may by your good works,
which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of
visitation." (1 Peter 2:12)
"Having a good conscience; that, whereas they
speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be
ashamed that falsely accuse your good
conversation in Christ." (1 Peter 3:16)
C. It takes time and perseverance in consistent
behavior to build character, reputation, and
influence.
D. Reputation and influence, however, can be
destroyed in a moment:
Dead flies cause the ointment of the perfumer
to send forth a stinking odour: [so doth] a
little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom
[and] honour (Ecc 10:1) Webster's
Revised KJV
“In the east, flies are abundant and an ever
present pest to the perfumer. A single fly falling
into the perfume very quickly corrupts it and
produces a very unpleasant stink. Likewise, a
man may have spent years building and
maintaining a good name, but all this can be
ruined in a moment by a single act of folly”
(Quotes & Things, D. Collins).
E. We can have good character and reputation but
neglect our influence upon others.
1. It is easy to be satisfied with passive
influence while not taking deliberate steps to
actively make a difference in someone else’s
life.
2. I'm very thankful for the family and friends that
deliberately and actively complimented the good
things that I would do when growing up, and
rebuking me for the bad.
a. We may not think such efforts are worthy
while, or that no one will listen.
b. But even people whose character is
generally bad can say things that help
others--especially if it is perceived that
that are trying to help.
Conclusion:
1. Every Christian ought to value and pursue a
good name.
2. Attaining a good name begins with an honest,
self appraisal of one’s character, reputation, and
influence.
3. A good name will take time to acquire and one
must exercise endurance and patience, i.e., one
must actively be seeking to build such by
consistent godly behavior. Therefore, let us…
a. In regard to our character, nurture courage,
steadfastness, endurance, patience, etc.
b. In regard to our reputation, nurture
trustworthiness, faithfulness, integrity,
moderation, etc.
c. In regard to influence, nurture consistency,
modesty, and behavioral patterns that will
have a positive impact.
4. It is important that we pursue a good name in
the sight of God and men (whether within or
without the church).
David Cambridge, adapted by Robert Waters