What Am I Known For?

Can you name five things you are known for? How are you known? Do you want a lot of people to know who you are? Who do you want to know about you? What are you currently known for versus what do you want to be known for? Do they match? The Bible gives accounts of the kings of Israel after their division into Israel and Judah. Each king that came through these two kingdoms was either worse or better than the last. The measure of their success, was connected to how they walked with God or their rejection of Him. Those who walked with God were associated with David, while those who rejected him were mainly associated with Jeroboam, son of Nebat. Out of the Kings of Israel before him, Ahab was considered the most evil king the kingdoms had ever seen. There was no other like him who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. (1 Kings 16:30, 21:25) David walked in the ways of the Lord wholeheartedly. None was like him who walked in the ways of the Lord. God recognized him as a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). There are many stories of men and women of God who are known for their great faith, such as Abraham and Jesus Christ for his work on earth and dying on the cross for our sins.

Do you hold what you are known for in high regard? Ahithophel was David’s most trusted adviser known for his wisdom and sound advice. He took a leading role in the revolt against David by his son Absalom, and his defection was a severe blow to David. When David heard about it, he prayed to the Lord to turn Ahithophels counsel into foolishness. Having consulted Ahithophel about his plans to proceed against David, Absalom again sought advice from Hushai, another of David’s Advisers. Hushai, who remained secretly loyal to David, opposed the counsel of Ahithopel and proposed a scheme of his own which gave David the advantage. Absalom accepted Hushai’s plan. Ahithopel recognizing that Hushai has outwitted him, went home, put his house in order, and ended his life. (2 Samuel 15:31-17:23). We should be conscious of how we take things we are known for. They should not make us proud but help us to remain humble.

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

As God’s children, we are held to a high standard and known for good works. We are to be known as followers of Christ Jesus in everything we do. Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-11 to look at his life as an example. Paul also says in Colossians 1:10 that once you gain spiritual wisdom, your life will always honor and please the Lord and continually do good, kind things for others. All I pray for is for us Christians to be known as people who display Christ-like character. To be filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Faithfulness, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, and self-control. How will God remembers us? as faithful and loving or that he never knew us?