What is in a Name? (Again*)

*I used this title before and wrote about the meaning of some of the names of God.  I guess this is like a part 2 or a “and then there’s more” addition.  You might want to go back and read the first one. I did. I didn't remember that I had used this title before.  It was last year about this time (4/19/13.) I just had to laugh at the coincidence or the full circleness of this.

This is one of my favorite Shakespeare lines in Romeo and Juliet. “For what is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That means no matter what you call someone it’s their character for which they are known. Someone’s character and reputation is what comes first to mind when a familiar name is mentioned.

We call ourselves Christians and Christ’s character and reputation is represented in our name. Wow, have you ever realized the tremendous responsibility that involves?  I have been confronted with my accountability to bear this name well this week. I fear that I have often taken calling myself a Christian for granted and not realized the responsibility it involves. In my Bible study I ran across a verse that shined a light on my callousness.

2 Thessalonians 1:12 Then the name, character, and reputation of our Lord Jesus will be honored by the way you live, and you will be honored along with Him. This is made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The way I live is supposed to honor Christ’s character and reputation. My daily conduct is supposed to represent Christ’s personality and nature.  If it does I honor Him. If it doesn't, well, maybe I should rethink my name.

 Did I ever realize my responsibly when I tell others I am a Christian?  Then they can look at the way I’m acting and judge whether those are the actions and character of God or not.  If they are not a Christian then I am a representation of Jesus to them. That is “heavy dude” and quite a weight to wear.

In the sunny southern Bible belt I have just assumed that saying I was a Christian was a simple and easy way to describe my religious choice. I thought it only defined my relationship with God.  But in reality, my life is supposed to be a description or definition of God. A definition of His love. A definition of His power. A definition of His forgiveness and salvation. A definition of His mercy (not giving a deserved punishment.) A definition of His grace (giving a payment, forgiveness, gift, or blessing not deserved.)   

  

Am I showing by my life that God is:

my Creator

my Owner

my Life giver

my Authority

my Master

my Savior

my Messiah

my King

my Forgiver

Mercy and Grace for me

the Lover of my soul

?

I am a Christian. It’s all in my name.