A Good Name

I have been asked to speak to a Senior Adult Fellowship on the topic “A Good Name.” It is never easy for me to prepare a talk when the subject is chosen for me. The idea of “a good name” has been stirring in my mind since I accepted this invitation. Times when a name has had significance have been brought back to memory.

I grew up on a farm a few miles from a village of less than 1,000 people, where everybody knew everybody. During my college years I came “home” whenever I could. On one occasion I noticed the variety store on Main Street was under new ownership. I shopped there for a few things and wrote a check for payment. I handed the check to the new owner and asked if he wanted to see identification. He looked at my check and smiled. Then he said the words that filled my heart with gratitude and pride, “Not with THAT name.”

The name was recognized as one where trust had been earned. Dad’s word was as good as a notarized document. This heritage has been prescriptive for me. After my parents death I was driven to sell their house the way Dad would have done it: with a handshake.

There is something about growing up with a name that is trusted that has given me confidence. It has shaped my identity. But does this name really define who I am?

As I prepare this message, I want to find ways to help our seniors understand who they are as children of God, as joint heirs with Christ.
In order to do this with authenticity I need to answer the question for myself. Who am I?

Do I understand who I am because my Father’s name is I AM?

Do I claim my inheritance as a joint heir with Christ?

Do I celebrate belonging to the family of God?

Do I assume a posture of power when the enemy whispers to me that I will be defeated?

Do I answer the enemy by saying: “Not with that Name!”