SCRIP-BITS

Ecclesiastes 7:1.    A GOOD name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
 
Oh Friends, I’d intended to have this Bit out on my normal schedule, but as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men usually go astray. Chuh! I got up earlier, had something to eat, then began experiencing some nausea, so I went back to lie down and promptly fell asleep. Anyway, it’s day five into my recovery from the rahtid prostate cancer surgery, and though it hasn’t been all that easy, it hasn’t really been as difficult as I expected, and I can now say with great confidence: ‘I’m getting better! Yes, I’m getting better. Thank God, I’m getting better!’ Yes Friends, it’s the Lord’s hand of blessing that’s been upon me all along. And though He didn’t grant me the miracle healing I’d believed and hoped for, He did make my slippery paths safer and more secure than they could have been. Thank Him for being such a wise, merciful, forgiving and wonderful God! And all God’s people said a heartfelt ‘Amen!’ Now moving on to problems of greater magnitude than mine. It seems we’re likely to have a replay of last year’s drama with volcanic ash from another one of Iceland’s active volcanoes disrupting air travel over the U.K. and Ireland, though not on such a large scale as the last time. The swirling ash is expected to reach the U.K. today. Ah mih breddren, when will our natural disasters end eh? Or even ease up a bit? It just seems that in recent times we’re constantly being inundated and bombarded by everything except the kitchen sink. (smile) Be it earthquakes, fires, floods, famine, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and whatever else there is. And that’s only the natural type. When you include the manmade stuff like wars, violence, economic disaster and physical oppression, we move up to a whole new level of devastation. But regardless of what happens my people, we all have to stand strong in the faith and strength of Almighty God, trusting that since He is the great I AM, in control of everything, that He knows what He’s doing. If we don’t do that, then our troubles will drag us under without much effort. And through it all, believers are expected to live up to the words of our Bit: ‘A GOOD name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.’ Yes Friends, while on earth, we’re supposed to live in such a manner that our names are spoken with respect, with good reference, with acknowledgement of our godly character. The writer of Ecclesiastes, like his counterpart in Proverbs, is here holding up, venerating a life that’s lived with wisdom and goodness. Thus Cousin Sol’s words from Proverbs 22:1: ‘A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and LOVING favour rather than silver and gold.’ That’s for sure my people! A good reputation is better than earthly riches any day! Cousin Sol also puts it this way: ‘The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat (healthy).’ (Prov.15:30) I believe that it was Willie Shakespeare who also said something along the lines of, he who steals my purse steals trash, but he who steals my good name, steals my life. That’s not the exact quote, but it’s close, and shows the true importance of one’s good name in one’s society. Stealing my money is nowhere near as important as sullying my character and integrity. We have a good example of that right now in our society, where the big thing is identity theft, not merely money stealing. And our Saviour Jesus insists that His followers have a good reputation, because if our reputation is spotty and untrustworthy, we certainly can’t do His work, which is totally based on trust and integrity. So Friends, in conclusion, if we seriously desire to do God’s work here on earth, then it’s of the utmost importance that we build a good name for ourselves, a good reputation, one worthy of Jesus. More on the other half of our Bit tomorrow, God in favour. Till then, please walk wisely and safely under His protective wings, in LOVE, peace and harmony with each other, so we can successfully promulgate His righteous kingdom. Much LOVE!…what’s in a name…everything…when you’re working for Jesus…