Command 3 : Rejoice | Day 18

Trade in Your Reputation

Few experiences in life are more painful than having one's name and reputation damaged. Our name represents all that we are, and when it is slandered or vilified with false or distorted information, we are jolted into action—or reaction. We instinctively know that...

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1).

We often try to increase respect for our name through personal riches, prestigious possessions, and praiseworthy achievements. The driving force behind this self-effort is usually a fear of man's rejection. God warns that “the fear of man bringeth a snare....” (Proverbs 29:25). A snare is a death trap that holds its victims in its grip until destruction comes.

Our name is important and should not be tarnished by words, actions, or attitudes that harm other people. However, there is a far better name than ours which is rather to be chosen! It is the name of Jesus, which is above every name in heaven and on earth (see Philippians 2:9-11). The command to rejoice involves trading in our name and reputation for God's.

No longer should we wonder what people think of us, but rather we should ask, Do they see Jesus Christ in us?

When I was 29 years old, I was the director of a youth organization. For several years I had been developing a plan that I believed would be effective for youth. When I presented it to the board of directors, I was stunned by their reaction! They not only rejected and reviled the plan, but they brought ten accusations against me, which I believed were false or trivial. They also demoted me from being director to being a staff member under a much younger director.

During that grievous time, God assured me that if I would be thankful and faithful to Him, He would cause a good report to overtake their bad report. This is what actually happened, because the plan they rejected became the Basic Seminar.¹ It has benefited millions of youth and families around the world.

God will also act on your behalf if you now declare from your heart, "O Lord, I hereby trade in my name and reputation for the holy and mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ."

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1. Learn more about the Basic Seminar.