Some people live down to their bad names. Some people live up to their good names. How will people remember your name?

A young woman named Martha helped me finish my business at the optometrist’s office recently. Martha is a name that is not as common as it once was. For her, it is a family name. Her family took the little they had a couple of generations ago and turned it into a business that provided well for their family and employed many others. Martha was one of this young woman’s family members whose life honored God and blessed others. This name is a name to live up to. 

Nabal means Fool. The Bible translations above tell us how he lived down to his name. He was “crude and mean,” “harsh and badly behaved,” “harsh and evil,” and “surly and mean.” 

He sounds like a really fun guy.

Abigail means My Father’s Joy. The translations above call her “sensible and beautiful,” “discerning and beautiful,” and “intelligent and beautiful.” 

Who wouldn’t want her around?

Abby saved her stupid husband’s life. He didn’t care. He had a stroke and died. As an old deacon once told me, “Some people would complain if you hung ‘em with a new rope.”

It’s Monday morning. Let’s keep things simple. Compare and contrast Nabby and Abby. Don’t be like that guy. Do be like that woman. 

You’re going to meet some crabby people today. As far as it depends on you, save them from themselves.

You’re going to meet some delightful people today. As far as it depends on you, empower them to bless others.

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I will live up to my name.

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Our Father, empower us to live our lives in such a manner that everyone who knows us remembers our names fondly. Amen.