*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*
*WHAT IS YOUR NAME? (2)*
*Scripture Treasure.*
2 Sam 16:23 *And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God:....."*
2 Sam 15:31 *And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.*
*Insight and Highlight.*
The inability to work on your character will affect your name or the way people will call you.
*Scripture Commentaries.*
Ahithophel, the wise, was changed to Ahithophel, the conspirator, traitor, and betrayer, because he failed to control what eventually controlled and terminated his life.
He was inwardly gifted but outwardly mismanaged the gift. He proved himself unworthy and indisciplined to reflect the gift he was endowed with.
His story teaches us that gifted people may not be the best behaved. Attitude/fruit is one thing, gift is another, ref 1 Cor 13.
Also, a person is most likely to be called or described by the attitude he shows than the name he bears or the office he holds.
Eli's children, Hophni and Phinehas, were referred to as children of Belial because of their bad conduct and attitudes, 1 Sam 2:12.
Whatever the meaning of the name Ahithophel may be, it is obvious that the foolishness of his decision to join Absalom outweighed the good meaning (if any) of the name Ahithophel. Most likely, the meaning of the name may be 'folly' (ref Nabal in 1 Sam 25:25).
Today, the Bible records some names you will never hear people bear or names some parents will never give their children.
A trusted friend like Ahithophel, who became an enemy, was not far from someone who would kill David.
When you have a friend like Ahithophel, you do not need an enemy.
A trusted friend who counseled an enemy against a king who loved him and brought him to fame. Ahithophel further led an enemy troop against his master, 2 Sam 17:1-4.
Ahithophel joined the ranks of Absalom, Judas, Ahab, Jezebel, Balaam, and some like Ahithophel himself, King Saul, Eli, whom if they had continued well the way they started might have ended well.
It has even proved so bad today that people bear the best and finest of names as those with biblical foundation yet not walk in the best character or spirit of the names.
We must be careful to note that some of the people who bore bad names may be dead but the spirits behind their names are still alive and will cause great harm to people who bear good names but whose souls are opened to welcome such spirit.
Jesus's letter to the church in Pergamos tells us of Jesus' warning to the church against the spirits of Balak and Balaam, Rev 2:12-17. Balak and Balaam are no more, but their spirits are still in operation in the lives of those whose hearts welcome such spirits in their lives.
The Church in Thyatira, the spirit of Jezebel, was in operation, Rev 2:18-20.
The attitudes in the people in this Church, among others, influenced the Church and the name of Christ they represent, especially when Christ wrote that Satan's seat was there, Rev 2:17.
You may carry your birth or Christ's name around, but it is also better you are referred to with Christ's attitude.
What is your name?
*Remorse corner.*
The good name you bear may not be a true representation of who you are if you do not work on your attitude.
*Call to Word action.*
Jesus teaches us in the seven letters to the seven churches that a Church can bear His name yet may be working in the name and spirit of Satan.
*The Christian clarion duty.*
While a *"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,...."* (Prov 22:1), a good name finds expression in christian and Godly virtues.
*Prayer.*.
Lord, let my name match godliness in Jesus name.
Good morning all, and be blessed as you come into His presence.
God bless you.
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