What's in a Name?

 

What’s in a name?  There are names in my past that I immediately associate with people whom I didn’t like.  And because of their negative association, I would never have named my children those names.  When I say the name, Jezebel, what do you think?  The evil queen in Israel, of course.  What about Judas?  No one would name their child Judas.  Years ago, a visiting evangelist waxed eloquently on the king in Acts 24 named Felix.  This evangelist said, “People name their cat Felix, but they would never name their child Felix!”  At the end of the service, our pastor (who had an independent streak in him) called on our youth pastor to close in prayer.  But he used his middle name.  Pastor Metts said, “Felix Denman, would you close in prayer?”  Snickers went throughout the auditorium.  But there are names that also remind us of faithfulness.  Names like Daniel, Joseph, and Paul.  Many parents name their sons after those noble men.  And as the children grow up, they are honored to be called by those names.  Hey, when someone hears your name, what do they think?  Does your name remind them of honor, or does your name remind them of dishonor?  Solomon said in Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”  Today might be a good day to work on your reputation.  Remember, a good name is made one day at a time.