A GOOD NAME

By Rex Spears, (Orinda)

Prov 22:1 tells us the value of a good name: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,” and Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:1 tells us much the same thing: “A good name is better than precious ointment.”

For an example of this we need go no further than the lives of Cain and Abel. Cain seems to be the first egotist.  Everything centered around him.  Abel’s life was centered around God.  Over time things just built up until everything came to a head over an offering as we learn when we read Genesis 4:3-7:

(3) And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. (4) Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, (5) but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. (6) So the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? (7) If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it."

God respected Abel and his offering, however verse five tells us that God did not respect Cain and his offering.  Maybe the reason is given in the next few words “why are you angry?"

We all know the story about Cain murdering Abel, and what was the result? Cain’s name was associated with murder and evil.  Cain never showed any repentance.  He did complain about his punishment.  Abel on the other hand is the first name listed in

Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.”

This brings up the vital question, what does our name mean to the brethren in the church and also the world?