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

Kim, Kendra, Kendall, and Kenny headed out the door for school. After hugs and kisses Mom called out to them, “Remember I love you and so does the Lord! You are part of His family and our family. Don’t forget your name. You not only are named Smith; you are a Christian. Guard your names!” With that the four children ran to meet their bus and were off to school. Later that day at lunch, one of the boys asked Kendall to help him cheat on his math test. He even offered Kendall money if he would simply slide his test paper around so that he could see Kendall’s answers. Kendall said to him, “Sorry, I can’t do that. I am part of the Smith family, and that would make them sad. But I am also a Christian, and that would make Jesus sad. The answer is no!” Some of the kids laughed at him at the cafeteria table, but it was something that Kendall remembered the rest of his life. He had a family name that had the reputation of honesty and integrity. But even greater than the Smith family name was the name “Christian.” Though he didn’t live a perfect life, he and his siblings tried to remember to guard their names, Smith and Christian.

For today: If your family has worked hard to give your name a good reputation, guard it well. Don’t destroy it by careless or sinful living.