God was not against the people of Babel having a name. Even before Eve was created, God gave to Adam the responsibility of naming each living creature in the Garden (Genesis 2:19). What was troubling to God must have been the motives of the people who were building the city, the tower.
It appears that some people continue to be willing to do almost anything to themselves, and/or to others, that they “may make a name for themselves” (Genesis 11:4). Some athletes take performance enhancing drugs, making a mockery of honest competition while slowly destroying their own bodies. Other people are willing to destroy themselves through excessive stress or lack of sleep or exercise, through ignoring their families or their spiritual needs. Many do make a name for themselves – but if their motives or means are flawed, how sad for those involved – and if the truth comes out, how sad for family, friends, and admirers.
Solomon noted that “A good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). Solomon also tells us how to build that good name. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you… Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man”. (Proverbs 3:3-4)
What is love? “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”.
(I Corinthians 13:4-8)
Where do love and faithfulness come from? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)
P eople entrust their children to Deerfoot Lodge for two or more weeks – because of Deerfoot’s good name. And what has built that good name? The lives of the Deerfoot Lodge staff – a living demonstration of God’s love and of the fruit of His spirit. I believe Deerfoot Lodge, in a very unique way, is God’s place.
What an incredible responsibility it is, as God’s people/representatives, to have and to maintain a good name. Deerfoot Lodge will retain its good name as it continues to be a good steward of all that is entrusted to it: campers, staff, contributions – and the wonderful opportunities this combination brings together for the building of godly young men.
As we actively seek to live In Partnership With God, love and faithfulness will never leave us, and we will build a good name for God – and for ourselves.
(Our good name can enable another to make a safe bet! You can imagine how I smiled when I learned that Tom Eakin, the Forest Ranger for the land surrounding Deerfoot Lodge, was in the office of the Sheriff of Hamilton County when an all points bulletin came in over the radio describing a specific car – and that the driver was probably drunk. Tom pulled out a $100 and laid it on the counter – to bet that the driver was not drunk. Everyone laughed….how could he be so sure? Because he knew it was my car, and “Chief Chuck does not get drunk!” Tom was right…my car…not drunk. Long story…I was a good guy).