What’s in a Name?

“I really want to make a name for myself!”

How many times have you or someone you know used this line to describe what you want to do in life?  How many times have you felt you were living in the shadows of the ones who have come before us; whether it be a parent or a predecessor, you seem to be following in the footsteps of someone who has blazed the trail ahead of you.

Many of us spend most of our time trying to get out of the shadows and make our own name, because we don’t want to be seen as a “chip off the old block” or “so-and-so’s family member”.  I’m not going to lie, I went through a phase myself where I wanted to make a name for myself, to get out of the limelight left in the shadow of my dad…but through that struggle to find my identity with those around me, I found that my name was made, and I had nothing to do with making my own name…and most importantly, I realized I didn’t mind the connotation.

You see, when we become Christians our identity is made…we no longer live for ourselves, because we are to live up to a name.  The disciples wanted others to know that they were different…and by calling ourselves Christians, we accept the role as a follower of Christ.  That role is one in which we are no longer conformed to the world…we are no longer slaves to sin…we no longer live in the shadows.

When you become a Christian, you take on the name and identity of Christ…the old passes away and the new comes to take its place.  By taking on the name and identity of Christ, you tell the world, “Hey! I’m different! I’m a follower of Christ!”  The question is, do you show them you are different?

Actions speak louder than words, so what are your actions saying about you?  Are you living your life the way you want and proclaiming the name of Christ with your lips?

Well-known American Priest, Brennan Manning said, “The greatest single cause of Atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, and walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle.  That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”

Mahatmas Gandhi once made the statement, “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are nothing like your Christ.”

Think about it…what are you saying about the name Christian with the way that you are living your life?   Are you like Christ? Or are you part of the group Gandhi was talking about…make the choices that show you are a follower of Christ…or are you becoming a part of the ever growing trend of Christianity – a trend that is devastating the Church.  A trend that has torn our Country apart…we must get back to Christ!

A Piece of Cake

I came across a little story from TJ Malone; it struck a chord with me as I feel it is a good way for us to look at things. It is called “A Piece of Cake.”

“A little boy is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong, school, family problems, severe health problems, etc. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, He does. “Here, have some cooking oil.”

“Yuck” says the boy.

“How about a couple raw eggs?”

“Gross, Grandma!”

“Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?”

“Grandma, those are all yucky!”

To which Grandma replies: “Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!” God is crazy about you! He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. Hope your day is a “piece of cake!””

I feel this is how the church is today. We are all ingredients in the larger recipe that the Lord is trying to bake, but the problem is that each one of us on our own is “yucky” as the little boy put it.

This is also addressed in scripture when we look at the many parts of the body of Christ. We all have a job, a taste so to speak; we are all part of something greater. Today, embrace your role as an ingredient in a greater plan.

When Life Hands You Lemons

Many times in life you’ve heard the old cliché, “When life hands you lemons…make lemonade”.

Here is something I think about when I hear that statement.  Being involved in sports throughout my life, one thing that continues to enter my mind each time I hear that is another sports cliché…”When life throws you a curveball…”  My thoughts on that statement vary, but one thing that always triggers in making the best of a bad situation.

The curveball is one of the hardest pitches to hit in baseball, that is, unless you’re ready for it.  The Curve has movement, it’s not a straight pitch, and is one that is often swung on and missed in baseball.  The Curve also has an effect on the batter…that effect is one that is visible in buckled knees, diving out of the way and completes surprise.  An effective curve starts headed at the batter in many cases, breaking near the plate and crossing through the strike zone…other versions start above the batter’s head and break down through the zone…either way, a very effective pitch if thrown correctly.

Life throws effective curveballs at us daily, it is our job to recognize the pitch…we have to see what is coming and be ready to counteract with the proper swing.  Are there situations that are bringing you down? Situations that you would dub “curveballs” or “lemons”?  Now is the time for you to step up and knock the pitch out of the park….now is the time to make lemonade.

There are many things in life that will cause us pain, but we have a promise through the sacrifice of Jesus that tells us life is going to be ok.  He promised His disciples with the same promise that rings true to us today, “I’ll never leave or forsake you.”  Jesus is always with us, even when we can’t sense Him…think about the footprints poem and the statement at the end that says, “Those were the times I carried you”.

Are you willing to be carried today?  Are you willing to realize that the times when we feel the farthest from God are the times when He is carrying us in His arms because we can’t do it on our own?  You have friends that can help, and if you feel all alone, you have strength in knowing that there is a friend who is closer than a brother….

Today – Make Lemonade!!