Lessons from Lot – A Good Name

I was recently having a conversation when I mentioned a mutual friend. The other person responded, “Sad, not many think well of him.” That made me begin pondering what a reputation is worth. How important is it that people think well of us?

Proverbs 22:1 tells us that – “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

In Genesis 19, we find Lot sitting in the gateway of the city. The study notes in the Life Application Bible say this, “The gateway of the city was the meeting place for city officials and other men to discuss current events and transact business. It was a place of authority and status where a person could see and be seen.” Lot was hanging out with the influential crowd. He had a large enough home to invite guests to spend the night. He thought he was doing quite well for himself. Yet, when a few unusual situations arose, Lot’s character and reputation were revealed.

While the visitors were settling in for the evening, ALL the men from the city surrounded Lot’s house and demanded to have sex with his guests. Is that an indication of respect? When Lot refused to send them out, even offering his daughters instead, the mob became hostile, threatening and aggressive. They completely ignored Lot’s pleas and offer. They had no concern whatsoever with who he was or what he was saying. When Lot tried to convince his sons-in-law that they were in imminent danger, they thought he was joking. His passion and urgency were ridiculous to them. His own daughters thought so little of him that they got him drunk and sexually violated him and themselves.

What had Lot been doing that had compromised his reputation so severely? Outwardly, all the “good reputation” trappings were in place. But something had gone woefully wrong. How could he have such a different opinion of himself than everyone else had?
Had he mistakenly used the people of Sodom as his measuring stick of righteousness, thinking he looked pretty good in comparison to them?

What were the “small” compromises he thought had gone unnoticed that had actually tarnished his reputation? A few lies … a crude joke … unkind comments about others? Perhaps it was as simple as always talking about himself, or talking too much, or ignoring people. Whatever unsavory acts he had done or qualities he possessed, others had taken note.

Looking back at Proverbs 21:1, according to God, our reputation is very important. A good name is worth pursuing more than financial success. How opposite that is to the business dealings we read of in newspapers and hear on nightly television. It is easy to get caught up in the wheeling and dealing of daily life, compromising our character as we go. In the busyness of life, we forget that people are watching and listening. When a young mother bends down to whisper threats to her disobedient toddler, others are watching her face and listening to her words. When a couple begin to argue “quietly” in a restaurant, those at nearby tables can see their expressions and often hear some of the words. When you bump into an acquaintance at the video store, they see what movie box you are holding. Those small moments are the very ones people tend to remember about us, and can then, unfortunately, define us in their eyes.

As children of God and brothers and sisters of Christ, we bear His name. Thus, our reputation is His reputation in the eyes of the world. What do people think about you and why? Take the time to ask someone and courageously receive their words, pray over them, and make the necessary adjustments to accurately bear the name of Jesus Christ.