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Cal's Pastoral Epistles
What Is In A Name
October 19, 2005
"A good name is more desirable than great riches: to be esteemed is
better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1
I was in my car heading downtown when I was reminded of this bit of
wisdom from the Scriptures. I looked up and saw a billboard
advertising the Overhead Door Company of Preston. The words
"reputation and service" were blazoned across the top in bold letters.
That sign made an impression on me. It suggests that people who
know that company are well aware of the good work they do.
I am happy to say I was blessed to know the owner of Overhead
Door, Joe Bubenicek. His reputation was as good as gold. His family
runs the business now, but I will always think of him when I see a
sign for the company. You see, Joe understood that a good name was
worth more than making a ton of money. He knew that his
reputation was on the line in every job he did. He put that first in
doing business. Today, the company is blessed by the way he did
business. It has become part of his legacy, a gift he has passed on to
the next generation.
We all know people in the news who have tarnished their good name
by their ill advised actions. We read about Martha Stewart, John
Rowland, Rafael Palmero and countless others who were at the top of
the world, only to fall prey to temptations which would forever more
tarnish their name. The seduction of riches and fame caused them to
make poor choices which led to their undoing. Now their names are
objects of ridicule and scorn. What a shame for them and for those
of us who believed in them.
As people of faith, we have to be careful of the choices we make. You
see, a lot more is at stake than just our names. We carry with us the
name of Christ. We are his chosen people and the world will judge
Jesus when they look at us. It may not be fair, but it is part of the
calling we bear. Christ has called us and sent us into the world to be
salt and light. We are to be is body, the hands and feet, the voice and
the presence of the Lord. In the same way that I always think of Joe
when I hear the name of Overhead Door, some people will think of
you when the name of Jesus is mentioned. For you may be the face
of God the world sees.
So as the love of God fills your life, let it spill out everywhere you go.
As you receive His grace, pass it on to those you meet. As you
encounter blessings, share them with friend and stranger alike.
Like Johnny Appleseed, keep planting the seeds of kindness along
your path of life and you will be surprised at what you will harvest. It
may not be silver or gold, but your good name will be lifted up and
God will be glorified.
God Bless. See you in Church! Cal.
October 19, 2005
"A good name is more desirable than great riches: to be esteemed is
better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1
I was in my car heading downtown when I was reminded of this bit of
wisdom from the Scriptures. I looked up and saw a billboard
advertising the Overhead Door Company of Preston. The words
"reputation and service" were blazoned across the top in bold letters.
That sign made an impression on me. It suggests that people who
know that company are well aware of the good work they do.
I am happy to say I was blessed to know the owner of Overhead
Door, Joe Bubenicek. His reputation was as good as gold. His family
runs the business now, but I will always think of him when I see a
sign for the company. You see, Joe understood that a good name was
worth more than making a ton of money. He knew that his
reputation was on the line in every job he did. He put that first in
doing business. Today, the company is blessed by the way he did
business. It has become part of his legacy, a gift he has passed on to
the next generation.
We all know people in the news who have tarnished their good name
by their ill advised actions. We read about Martha Stewart, John
Rowland, Rafael Palmero and countless others who were at the top of
the world, only to fall prey to temptations which would forever more
tarnish their name. The seduction of riches and fame caused them to
make poor choices which led to their undoing. Now their names are
objects of ridicule and scorn. What a shame for them and for those
of us who believed in them.
As people of faith, we have to be careful of the choices we make. You
see, a lot more is at stake than just our names. We carry with us the
name of Christ. We are his chosen people and the world will judge
Jesus when they look at us. It may not be fair, but it is part of the
calling we bear. Christ has called us and sent us into the world to be
salt and light. We are to be is body, the hands and feet, the voice and
the presence of the Lord. In the same way that I always think of Joe
when I hear the name of Overhead Door, some people will think of
you when the name of Jesus is mentioned. For you may be the face
of God the world sees.
So as the love of God fills your life, let it spill out everywhere you go.
As you receive His grace, pass it on to those you meet. As you
encounter blessings, share them with friend and stranger alike.
Like Johnny Appleseed, keep planting the seeds of kindness along
your path of life and you will be surprised at what you will harvest. It
may not be silver or gold, but your good name will be lifted up and
God will be glorified.
God Bless. See you in Church! Cal.
Pastor Cal Lord writes these weekly epistles to
help us see God in every day things.
help us see God in every day things.
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