By Femi Akinpelu Joseph
Earlier today, a discussion ensued between me and few of my colleagues during the office devotion, and it caused a little argument. It was question of “what does it mean to have a good name?”; after reading from Ecclesiastes Chapter 7. Another question was raised, and it hinged on “is it actually everybody that desires a good name?” This issue was deliberated on and was argued back and forth. Some said everybody wants to have a good name but they somehow, have just been helpless, and thereby do not know how to live right. And so, it is not totally the fault of people with questionable characters that they do not exhibit noble traits!
Another group argued that everybody truly knows the right thing to do, but they only do not place much value on their integrity or reputation as an individual. The priority of such people is to just do anything possible (including joining a cult, and killing innocent people) in order to acquire some power; to cheat and enrich themselves; to defraud, to kidnap and rob and then accrue wealth illegally! That (acquisition of power) is their priority – not having a good name. In the process, I learned again, that people do what they do based on what and where, their values lie – it is based on their personal inner conscience, not necessarily on what majority or the society perceives to be right. Wow!
Hnnnnn. That is so incredible.
That is that – those everyday general norm-al people reasoning!
My take on this issue again is, if the word of God is trusted enough to be capable of passing instructions to all humans on what is acceptable, then that should be what it should be!
Ecclesiastes 7:1 says “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” - Proverbs 22:1 also corroborates that, when it says “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
My take on this issue again is, if the word of God is trusted enough to be capable of passing instructions to all humans on what is acceptable, then that should be what it should be!
Ecclesiastes 7:1 says “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” - Proverbs 22:1 also corroborates that, when it says “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
At least, for those who are normal, (and NOT NORM-al, or NORM-ER), we should be able to agree with God’s commands on who or what is normal or abnormal.
As we approach the brand-new month of November in few hours, let us take a look at & ponder on few of those things that NORM-al (general) people do as we try to see how we can make necessary changes and turn on a new leaf.
Check at just few of the NORM-al people’s trends on the LIST, below…
*If you only greet those who have plenty money – or respond to only greetings from such people alone – you are not normal.
*If you still try to laugh with everybody all the time, and agree with them even when they are wrong and you ought to correct them, but you failed; because you want favour from them, then you are not normal.
*If you see me on a day when I’m just simply dressed and you ignored me, but the day I put on expensive wears like a ‘celebrity’, you start shinning your teeth at me, you are not normal.
*If you are trying to achieve something (especially money-making) just so that people can recognize you and then start worshipping you, then you are not normal.
THE LIST IS LONG, but let’s end it here.
Shun the life of norms. Try to be real. I know that ‘nobody holy pass’... but still endeavor to live well and earn yourself a good name (lasting reputation). Make a change. Live more nobly.
God bless you.
