I never lived in a small town until we moved to Brewton, which is the best kept secret in Alabama. It is an incredible community. But in small towns, everybody knows everybody’s business. When we first got to town someone drove us around town showing us where church members lived and gave us editorial comments about each one. It wasn’t done maliciously, just matter of fact. “That’s where Miss Smith lives. She is the worst gossip in town. Watch out. Over there is Mr. Jones. He is a good attorney, but he is not a nice man. That’s where Miss Williams lives. She is a saint if ever there were one. That’s where Mr. Jones lives. He is wealthy, but he is greedy and stingy. That’s where Miss Fred lives, but she is a first class hypocrite.” It’s like they had earned their names by their actions. After I lived there a while, I realized those names were true. By the way you live your life and the words you speak and the things you do, what name have you earned? How does your name identify you? The Bible says a good name is to be desired above great riches. Is the name of Jesus Christ glorified in your actions or words? Is the name of Jesus honored in you? In II Thessalonians 1:12 we are reminded that when Jesus is honored by how we live that God will honor us.
– Dr. Tim Thompson