When I dreamed of marrying Jeff, I practiced writing what my new name would look like: Mrs. Lisa Burgess. When a bride takes on her husband’s name, it’s symbolic of a oneness like no other.
What about when the church, the bride of Christ, takes on His name?
Are we wearing His name well?
What’s in a Name?
We were on our way to Paris last Friday. I’d looked up attractions. The Eiffel Tower was listed as a “must-see.”
We pulled up around noon. And there it was. The Eiffel Tower. With the red cowboy hat on top. Just as promised on the Roadside America webpage.
It was what I expected. We were in Texas, after all. Paris, Texas. Of course it had an Eiffel Tower.
Just like someone named Joy is usually full of joy. And someone named Grace is graceful. Faith is faithful.
And Christians? Aren’t we to be full of Christ?
The Name Christian
Don’t take a poll. You’ll be disappointed. Our ratings as Christians are poor. For too long we’ve been a bad taste in the mouth of the world. Many may like our Christ, but not everybody likes His followers.
Are we not living up to our name?
Disciples of Jesus didn’t start out with the name “Christians.” It took awhile. And when they finally were called Christians, was it making fun? Was it a compliment? Was it just a neutral label?
We still don’t know the original intent. It happened in the city of Antioch, the first Gentile church. The grace of God was visible there (Acts 11:22-23). And Luke drops the fact with no explanation: “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26).
Only two more times in the New Testament do we see the word Christian:
(1) Acts 26:28 when King Agrippa asks Paul, “You think you can make me a Christian” and
(2) 1 Peter 4:16 when Peter says if anybody suffers as a Christian, don’t be ashamed; glorify God in the name.
Christian means “of Christ” or “belonging to Christ.”
But what does it really mean?
Union of Grace
Who can live up to the name of Christ? We know we can’t be perfect like Him.
We’re still learners. That’s what being a disciple means. We don’t have to be defensive when we get things wrong (and we WILL get things wrong). We can agree with others that we need help. Our actions often illustrate our humanity, even though our souls have been sanctified and saved.
But we can show others that when we fall, we get back up because Christ has our back. We’re one. We don’t have to be hard on ourselves because God gives us grace.
Grace makes a beautiful union.
The grace we receive can then be passed on to others when they too fall down. Never withhold grace from those who need it the most. (And those who need it the most may claim they need it the least.)
Wear the Name Proudly
Even though Christians don’t live up to the reputation of our bridegroom, we can still wear the name proudly and point others to Christ.
Love is how others know who we follow (John 13:35). Love will draw others to Him. Not our doctrinal positions. Not our cultural stands. Not our holier-than-thou attitudes.
Don’t let His name go to waste. Be generous with it. Give away all the grace you can. It multiples when you share it.
I took this photo of Jeff in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas. We enjoyed it because we knew this tower wasn’t supposed to be exactly like the real one in Paris.
There is only one original.
But seeing the replica increased my desire to see the original.
When others see Christians, may it increase their desire to see Christ.
Oh, this is brilliant, Lisa! And I want to be part of that band who “turned the world upside down!”
Thanks for your good thoughts here.
You are definitely doing your part to turn the world upside down, Michele. Raising your family Christ-strong and speaking holy words online and in person leave a positive impression!
Lisa, such a good question to ponder. Does my life so reflect Jesus that others want to see the original? I’ll be thinking on this all day. Blessings!
Thanks, Joanne. It’s a sobering question for me to ask, too. I don’t always like the answer I have to give myself!
Very good topic for thought, Lisa. As Christians, we cannot hope to ever perfectly follow Christ’s example, but that should always be our goal. Too often, we fall short.
And I hope you get to see the original Eiffel Tower before too long! :)
Yes, if we could all reach the goal, what a different world it would be!
I have no plans to travel to Paris, France, but maybe one day? :) I would definitely love to!
…to my way of thinking, too many Christians pick and choose scriptures that support their viewpoint, they miss the forest for the trees!
Many of us will agree with you, Tom. Unfortunately we Christians in general aren’t the most consistent in our interpretation and/or application of scriptures. All the more reason we need grace and more growth.
I commented on your blog but want to leave a comment here. Upside Down for the Upside Down Gospel. That’s what I want to be.
And you’re doing it, Susan. I’m always encouraged by your words about living for Christ at your blog. Thanks for being a light.
Wonderful , Lisa! Was just pondering: do I live out my identity? Well, some of the time. Thanks!
If we’re honest, we’d all say the same thing about ourselves, Sue. Our heart’s desire may be to fully live as daughters of the King, but too often we forget who we are. Thank God for grace to start fresh every morning!
Good point about being generous with grace. As keepers of His namesake we should be generous with all that we have since as King David said, “What is it for me to give to You what comes from your hand?” It all belongs to Him and He shares. I guess that means we should too. That will change our perception instantly.
Yes, if God so generously shares with us, who are we to hog the blessings? I’m definitely grateful to Him and to others who have shared with me through the years! Thanks, Floyd.