“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev 3:1).
What’s in a name? Obviously a great deal! When we take the name believer, it ought to mean we agree with God, and that we act on it. When we claim to be saints, our lives should give evidence of holiness. Likewise with disciple (a learner and follower), brother or sister (showing familial love and care), and so on.
Author Bernie Smith says the following story is verified as true by the AP: “Patrolman George Washington was cruising the streets of Pittsburgh the evening of Dec. 30, 1975. Normally he would have been accompanied by his partner, Patrolman Benjamin Franklin, but the latter was off sick on this particular night. As Washington turned on to Lincoln Avenue, he saw a man acting suspiciously. He questioned the man, then arrested him for possession of marijuana. The pot smoker’s name…Richard Nixon!”
Lord, help us live up to Your names today.