DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- GOD'S REPUTATION

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – GOD'S REPUTATION

"He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Psalm 23:3b)

There are benefits for living righteous and holy lives. We avoid a lot of negative consequences when we do what is right. But there is a higher purpose for living by God's standards. It is His name's sake.

In Hebrew, the word "sake" connotes honor, fame, and reputation. God is concerned about the honor and reputation of His name. When He leads us in paths of righteousness and we walk in them, not only are we blessed but it enhances God's reputation. His name is honored when we walk His paths.

Psalm 23 is a song about the Good Shepherd. A shepherd's reputation as a good herdsman is known by how well the sheep thrive. If they are sick and skinny and the fleece is bad, then it indicates that the shepherd is not taking very good care of his sheep. If they are healthy, then the reputation of the shepherd is honored.

Psalm 25 also expresses this thought about God's reputation. David, the psalmist, prays that God's loving kindness and tender mercies will be remembered and that the sins of his youth will not be held against him, "for Your goodness' sake, O Lord" (Psalm 25:6-7). God's reputation for being a good God is shown by his mercy and loving kindness.

Also in Psalm 25, David prays that God will pardon his great iniquities "for Your name's sake, O Lord" (vs. 11). God's reputation for mercy, loving-kindness and forgiveness are at stake. He will honor His reputation.

If we follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in the paths of righteousness, then our lives will be honorable, but more importantly, the fame, honor, and reputation of the Savior will be known. When we walk contrary to His way, then we dishonor our Lord, and His name is drug through the mud.

May my life bring honor and glory to Jesus.

Love, Dad