Have you ever bounced a check?
Most of us have at one time or another. Whether it was because of a mistake in your checkbook, an oversight, or some other reason, bouncing a check is no fun… and it can be rather embarrassing.
Although I don’t remember the last time I bounced a check, I do recall an incident that was pretty embarrassing, and yet a little funny at the same time.
About 15 years ago I stopped for gas at a local quick stop in my hometown. Of course, this was back in the days when I actually carried a checkbook for all the purchases I use a debit card for today. After filling the tank, I went inside to pay.
Upon receiving my check, the clerk examined it, then looked at me and said, “I’m sorry honey, I can’t accept this check from you.”
Surprised, I quickly asked, “Why?”
That’s when she uttered the words you would never want a clerk to say to you, whether in public or in private. Handing the check back to me, she said:
“Because your name is on the list of people who have written bad checks here.”
As I recovered from my shock, I realized there must be a mistake. So I asked, “Would you mind checking the address on the bad check and comparing it to mine?”
Now she was a little surprised. She took my check, went back into the store office and returned with a startled look on her face.
“You’re right — there must be two of you with the same name.” I quickly responded, “No ma’am, there are three of us.”
In my home town of about 16,000 people, who would have thought there would be three named Tim Enochs?
On that day, I quickly learned the value of a good name — as well as the embarrassment of a bad name.
One of the guiding verses in scripture which has made a difference for many highly respected people — including Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A — is this:
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
What does it mean to have a good name?
How does your reputation, good or bad, impact others around you?
What is the most important thing you can do to establish (or restore) your good name?
A good name truly is better.
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Tags: Character, Integrity, Legacy, Reputation, Self Development
