A GOOD NAME
Carl Geary died a month ago from a heart attack as he campaigned for the small country town. Despite his sudden death, he still polled over three times as many votes as his rival in the election in Tracy City, Tennessee. His widow, Susan Geary, was not surprised by the election results. “The day he passed away, people were calling with condolences and saying, ‘We’re still voting for him,’ she said.
Geary was known for telling the truth and served on the city council. He received 285 votes to his rival’s 85. “I knew he was deceased. I know that sounds stupid, but we wanted someone other than the current Mayor,” said Chris Rogers, owner of the town’s Lunch Box restaurant. “If he were to run again next week I’d vote for him again.” Although the current Mayor occupied the position again, but the headline should say ‘Mayor that filled the shoes of a dead man, beaten by a dead man.’ It can’t be true that many are not aware that there are things that are much more
precious and important than some of the things we hold valuable. Having riches, wealth and success in life is beautiful, but whatever riches and wealth can buy, a good name holds greater value and can buy much more. Hear the counsel of Solomon, the richest and wisest king that ever lived “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1.
Solomon had all the riches one could ever think of. To put his wealth in perspective, he was worth around $2 Trillion in today’s money, equal to the combined net worth of the 400 richest Americans on the Forbes list. But in the midst of it all, his submission was “A good name is better…” Before you squander your name and your parent’s name inclusive, have a rethink! “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” Proverbs 20:7
