Name

"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth" (Ecclesiastes 7:1). 

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet" (Juliet, Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare).

Do you think about your name often? Do you know what your name means?  My first name is the English version of the Greek god of wine and revelry—which is always funny to me since my family have never been wine drinkers. But do names matter?

When the Teacher is referring to "a good name," he's not literally talking about your given name or even your surname. He's talking about your reputation. When people hear your name, what do they think of? Is it a positive or a negative? What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear my name? when I hear your name? when you hear the name of your neighbor?

The focus on "death" in this verse is not so much that it's a good thing or better thing to die than to be born, but that at birth your reputation is yet to be formed. By the time of your passing, the Teacher reasons, your reputation is settled. You have either a "good" name or a "bad" name at that point...and it can't be changed. Strive, the Teacher admonishes, to have a good name, a good reputation, to be thought well of.

As Christians, we seek a good name not for our own sake but because others are watching. I remember clear as day, many years ago, saying something rather harsh to a person who had yet to believe in the Gospel. I don't remember what I said exactly, but it was something unbecoming of a follower of Jesus. Yet I said it, and it hurt my friend. All she said, though, was this: "I thought you were supposed to be a Christian." And she walked away. I don't know if I ever adequately made up for that remark, but I tried. Her words cut me to the heart because she was right. I wasn't reflecting Christ in that moment.

Others are watching us. It's a cliche because it's true: we may be the only Bible some will ever read. So strive to have a "good name," not for your sake, but for Jesus' sake.