During my college years I worked in a church, primarily with children ages 9-12. These days I cannot imagine doing that. Our times were hilarious, unsettling, frustrating, and we had great times together. Among the fun things for them was a visit from my college roommate, Jim.
Jim fancied himself an Elvis Presley impersonator; actually he did, kinda resemble Elvis. And he could sing. Having a visit from Jim always had the girls giddy; I’m surprised they did not ask for his autograph. They may have done so, surreptitiously. They loved calling him “Roomy,” —my nickname for him. Jim got a kick from the visits too. I think he was also happily adding to his radio audience; he was a DJ at the local radio station.
The other highlight for the kids was my “name.” We somehow got into a name-game and they wanted to know my “full name.” I inserted a volley of whimsical names; “Willis-Homer-Salamander-Alexander-John-Henry-Jones-Moore, — Junior” —for some reason they liked the rhythm of that name and chanted it every session. It also allowed them to avoid the stuffy handle, “Reverend Moore.”
Names identify people, places, and things. Sometimes a name can be a barrier in relationships. While the Capulets and Montagues were feuding, their children, Romeo and Juliet fell in love; Juliet felt that Romeo’s family name, a rival of her family, did not matter; she said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” And yes, sometimes a person can see beyond a stigma, and move on.
Your name is important. Even if your name is popular, like John or Kim and there are scores of others with “your” name. It is your, unique identity. It is how your name. is to be treasured. Some cultures have traditions that shape a child’s name. My maternal grandfather’s name is now passed on to the fourth generation. His name is important to our family; it is good to find it passed down the generations.
You appreciate it when someone remembers your name after a long separation, don’t you? One of those girls from long ago, Jan, married a colleague of mine. Our families are together at events from time to time. When Jan greets me, “Hello Willis-Homer-Salamander-Alexander-John-Henry-Jones-Moore, —Jr.”– she and I laugh, while others looking on are puzzled. Well, even a silly name has its moments.
Jesus spoke powerfully of his name; he said, “… the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name“. He did not mean that if you want an ocean cruise, or a good grade on a test you didn’t study for, or for your salary to be increased exponentially. He said “In my name.” That means in his character and spirit. When I was in college, my dad made arrangements with the service station owner to charge my gas to his account. Weekends, when I came home, I could fill my tank there, sign the bill, and dad would pay it. The deal was based on the character and spirit of my dad’s name.
Dr. Luke warns also about abusing the name of Jesus. Jesus’ name is not a mojo that brings wonderful results. Just don’t do it. A theological word for such use is “blasphemy” Mistreatment of a name is tantamount to theft, an outright highjacking. In today’s cyber culture, it would be like taking the URL of, well, Wal-Mart, and changing a character or two to direct the user to another website attracting users away from the intended website.
Name abuse comes in a variety of forms. So hold on to your good name. It is you. It is your treasure. I like the Proverb; 22:1 -“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.”