The dictionary defines NAME as: “A word or
combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or
class, or any object of thought is designated, called or
known.” Google says (Google knows everything…right?) that the World
population is now approximately 7 billion people. Certainly there
are some repeats but any way you look at it…that’s a LOT of specific
names. And, when you consider their pets…well, that’s more than most
of us can count.
Names are important; they identify us personally
and they highlight our associations and connections with others,
especially family. My Dad used to remind me and my nine other
siblings that we were responsible for maintaining the good
reputation of the Holt family name. We understood that our attitudes
and actions would have an impact on the reputation that Dad had
built in the community. When we sold the farm and moved to the
Dallas, Texas, area my Dad started a construction company and did
business with the bank in Duncanville, TX just south of Dallas. He
built such a good reputation with them that he actually was given a
key to the bank! He went to draw out money for the business almost
every morning and would arrive before the employees so he could make
coffee for them. Sometimes he would bring them donuts.
Several years later I was stationed at Fort
Lewis, WA and I wanted to buy a small truck so I could cut my own
firewood (that’s a whole different story!). I needed a loan so I
called back to the bank in Duncanville. Mr. Bell, the Bank
President, came on the line and asked me if I was one of Bill Holt’s
kids. When I confirmed it he said, “Tell my secretary what you need
and she will send it to you tomorrow. Fill out the loan papers when
you get a chance and send them back.” In a few days the check
arrived and I paid cash for the truck…got a better deal too. Of
course, I kept my end of the bargain. The reputation of the name
BILL HOLT got me the loan; they didn’t even check my credit. In this
case, NAME = INTEGRITY.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs says, in
chapter 22, verse 1: “A good name is more desirable than great
riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Having just
read that verse you are probably thinking of people in your life who
are reflections of its truth and maybe many others who have
obviously missed the mark. We could all mention some well-known
people in the news lately who are the antithesis of that verse.
In OCS I remember the importance put on honesty
and integrity. An officer’s word is supposed to be his/her
bond. While I met a few officers along the way who violated that
maxim I have to say that most were men of integrity. In combat it
helped that I could trust those who flew with me; trusting that they
knew the mission and would do whatever it took to get us out of
whatever we got ourselves into. You don’t soon forget names like
that.
Throughout the Bible you will find many
different names used to identify God. Psalm 8:9 sums it up:“Lord,
our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.” If you ever
think of a name that is definitely “better than silver or
gold”…that’s the one. So, how are you doing in the matter of
honoring and representing the reputation of the NAME of God? What
better time to reflect HIS integrity than at the beginning of a new
year? I pray that in the time you have left you will do just
that…honor God in all areas of your life and influence others to do
the same.
May you be blessed in 2015!
Max Holt, Class 02-67, Association
Chaplain
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