There isn’t a whole lot I remember from 3 years of high school Spanish. Several years removed and more recent languages taken have rendered me pretty useless in Espanol. However, there are those few things I can still dig up. You know, the basics — nothing too deep.
“¿Cómo te llamas?” is one of those generic questions. It is translated as, “What is your name?” or “What do you call yourself?” For this blog, I am only interested in the one name that is most important in our life. That name, is Christian. For the remainder of this blog let’s use this as our answer. We are a Christian. The Apostle Paul in writing to the Church in Colasse pens these words in the third chapter: “Everything you say or do should be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (v.17).
Back in his day, Alexander the Great was surveying his army when his attention came upon a very troubled soldier. This particular man was sloppy and slumped over. He did not take his position seriously. Alexander the Great approached him and asked him what his name was. The man responded, “Alexander.” To which Alexander the Great quickly replied, “Young man, either change your character or change your name.”
As Christians, as Christ followers, we represent the Name of Jesus to others and to His world. People who respond to the gift of God and accept Christ as Lord and Savior are seldom “talked into” a saving faith. They are much more likely to be attracted to faith and belief by a person who demonstrates real, authentic, and sincere commitment to Christ.
In a typical week, a very high % of people will spend almost all of their time in 1 of 5 places: home; school; work; activities (sports, clubs, bands, scouts, etc.); and church. Honoring Christ, for some reason, is often times easiest in church services, Bible Studies, prayer cells, and life groups — and tougher in the other 4 categories. In which area is it toughest for you to live out your faith consistently and effectively? Taking Christ and sharing Him with others means that we represent Him in every area, in every situation, and in all circumstances. Whether you are studying, playing, working, or hanging out and sipping coffee with your friends — you are His representative.
So, what does your life say about Him?
Does it say anything? Is it silent?
Please pray this with me: Thank You Father, for allowing me to represent You here on planet earth, in my life, through the gift, hope, promise, and presence of Your Son. Help me to bring You honor and glory by the way I live my life and in the decisions and choices I make. Pour out Your Spirit Lord and show me where I need to improve, grow, and become more like You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Rejoicing,
Pastor Porter
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