What is in a Name

My name is not important, but my message is very important. Far too much emphasis is placed on who is speaking, and far too little on what is being said. If as much emphasis were placed on the subject matter of what is spoken as the appearance or credentials of the speaker; perhaps what was being said would actually be heard.

Does a degree from a particular institution of higher learning automatically qualify a person to be an expert in a particular field? Do various and sundry initials in front of or behind a person’s name make him or her a better person? Are most reverends really any more reverent than the common lay person who loves God with all their heart? Are doctors of this, that or the other to be viewed as infallible simply because of two letters in front of their name?

The greatest teacher, pastor, priest, prophet, apostle, evangelist and counselor who ever lived was Jesus. He did not go by Dr. Jesus or Rev. Jesus or even Mr. Jesus. He was simply Jesus of Nazareth. After he was raised from the dead he became the Christ and after the ascension he was made Lord. God has now given him the name which is above every name. Did God rename His only son? No, his name never changed; God simply elevated it to be the greatest name in the universe because of what Jesus did in laying down his life for our sins.

Names and titles are nice for reference, but should be viewed as having no authority. The important things are truth, integrity and honesty; not designations and titles given and conferred by people on other people. A person’s true identity is discovered when all their accolades, awards and achievements are stripped from them and they are left standing bare naked before the Lord Jesus Christ. When a person has nothing left to hide behind or under, then their true identity is revealed.

Respect and honor are things to be earned through humility and service not education and family heritage. Jesus emptied himself of his reputation and humbled himself by becoming a servant. His humility and service resulted in his horrible suffering and death on the cross for our sins. He willingly and lovingly laid down his life for us. He who knew no sin became sin so that we might become righteous in God’s eyes.

Because of what Jesus DID, he earned my respect. Because he loved me enough to give his life in my place; I owe him all the honor, reverence and praise in my heart. Jesus is my savior for through him salvation was bought for me and brought to me. Jesus is my lord for he and he alone is master in my life.

I do not have the educational credentials or family heritage to be even glanced at by the “important” people of this world. I, like many before me, am an ignorant and unlearned man who happens to love Yahweh, His son Jesus and the Bible. I cannot become something I am not. I cannot place initials in front of or behind my name to woo you with my titles. All I can do is speak the truth in love and continue to love without hypocrisy at all times.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Kirk