Proverbs 22:1

Wandering Through the Bible

June 19 near Lenoir

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. {Proverbs 22:1}

As I began this verse, I thought how one of my greatest fears in life is to not be remembered. I looked up the word "esteemed" in my dictionary and some of the definitions include: the regard in which one is held; valued; accounted; appreciated; admired; favored; regarded; respected; appraised; considered.

So much do I fear not being esteemed that I have already made it clear to my hubby that when my time comes, I am to have no funeral, no obituary, no notification of my passing. While I will be gone and with my God, my family will be left behind and I don't want them embarrassed by being in a social situation that few (if any) attend.

But, as I further thought on this verse, my thoughts went from the negative to the fruitful. Have you ever read Acts 8:4-25? It tells the story of a man named Simon, a sorcerer, who was converted. However, Simon was still caught up in the flesh and wanted power to change the world, power like the disciples had. His intention was good; but his heart? His heart wanted the notoriety for himself, not Jesus. So that got me to wondering: am I doing this blog, this study, this "relationship" with God for Christ's sake, for His Name to be lifted up, or am I doing it so that my fame will spread, so that I will be edified, acknowledged, and esteemed? Am I doing it so that I can share my wisdom, my knowledge, my understandings and help all those out there who aren't as enlightened as me? Ow. While not offering to pay for this privilege of blogging, the similarities of my intentions are enough to make me pause. Just what are my intentions for You, Lord?

So, I began making a list, going back to the original Proverb. I put my focus back on the Word. What do I desire? Some of the things I wrote include: security, my family's well being, the salvation of my grandsons, to be thin...

As I continued pondering, my thoughts turned now to what should I be doing to obtain a good name? Like salvation, I can't be born into it, can't marry into it, can't get it by latching on to someone else's coat tails. How am I going to get this good name, this reputation that is so desired-- above riches and pleasures of this world? Maybe the future Proverbs will show me wisdom in this area of my life that needs to be nurtured.

In conclusion, this blog was a little longer than I expected for the first time out. Stick with me, though, will you? Share with me your struggles in finding fame versus being a godly woman who is known for her deeds done in the name of our Lord, not ourselves. And tune in tomorrow as we tackle the next Proverb. See you then!