"It's In the Name"

  Your name speaks about who you are! I don't mean the defining of your name. Your name is associated with your character. Your reputation is tied to your name. Have you ever heard a parent (maybe you are one) that called out, "That's my girl!" or "That's my boy!"? They  are proud of their child's accomplishments as their child has brought honor to them.

  I remember telling my own children when they would leave the house, "Remember who you are!" speaking of their name. In other words, remember the principles we hold to and that you were taught.

"A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor better than silver and gold." (Prov. 22:1)

  How do you think God feels about His name? When the name of God is dishonored, is that not a dishonoring of God and His character? People freely throw around the name of God in some slang form reducing His character to meaningless. However, are they really reducing His character? NO! They are actually reducing the character of themselves! They are speaking against their own name and character by using the name of God! God's name stands and His character is intact. 

  How do so many, who proclaim a love for the Lord their God and His Son Jesus Christ, throw the name of God around so loosely? Our television  shows are filled with God's name being the butt of a joke as if His character is an object of laughter and entertainment. God's name is used in a casual by-word that is seen posted or spoken  our society: OMG (oh my God). God's name is profaned by being dishonored when used as an exclamation of surprise or extreme anger. Using God's name in demeaning ways other than as our Lord and Father is taking Him and striping Him of His identity and dignity. Too many have made the name of the Lord God as a common, meaningless, pagan god that is not holy, righteous or just. No wonder people really don't see the need for a Savior. His name has been reduced to nothingness but one day, it will be revealed that every knee will bow at the name and His character will be seen (Phil. 2:9-10). Yes, it's in the name!