HAVE YOU HEARD the name Benedict Arnold? If you have, what is the first word that came to your mind? Was it patriot? He was one of the early leaders in our nation's revolution. Was it hero? He fought bravely at Ticonderoga and Quebec. Or was it traitor? He had plans to sell out Fort West Point to the British. It is probably the latter. His name has become a synonym for betrayal. There were many who became disenfranchised with the war, but Benedict Arnold decided to sell out for very selfish reasons. In fact, the British to whom he sold out had bitter feelings towards him as well.
It is said that he died a many without a country. How sad and tragic. His earlier good is obscured by his act of betrayal. In each of our lives, we find a mixture of good and bad. We have all done things of which we are proud, and also things that sadden our hearts. What will you be remembered for? If your name does not evoke the feelings and words you want it to, change it! No, not literally your name. But, change what it stands for. Like David, Rahab, and Zacchaeus did. Don't let sin be what you are remembered for. As Nehemiah requested of God, let me be remembered for good.