“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1
Recently Ken and I traveled to Maryland for an Eareckson family reunion and visited with scores of cousins, aunts, and uncles. I was surprised and pleased that so many relatives remembered me by my childhood name. You see, I was named after my dad, Johnny Eareckson; he was always “Big Johnny” and I was “Little Joni.”
Strange that it didn’t bother me, even though my father has long since gone to heaven. And “Little Joni” didn’t bother me when I was a child, either. I’ve always considered it a privilege to share in my dad’s name because, in a way, it allowed me to share in his character and reputation; it made me a part of everything he was (and my father was very well known and respected in the community).
I once read in a Bible commentary that the word “Christian” means “Little Christs.” What an honor to share Christ’s name! We can be bold to call ourselves Christians and bear the stamp of His character and reputation. When people find out that you are a Christian, they should already have an idea of who you are and what you are like simply because you bear such a precious name.
If you were asked to describe yourself, what titles would be first on your list? That you are married or single, employed or unemployed? Would you then list your hair color or height? Or would you immediately respond, “I am a Christian…”?
I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian; I’m not ashamed Your name to bear. I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian; I’ll take You with me anywhere. I’ll tell the world how You have saved me, and how You gave me a life brand-new; I’ll tell the world that I’m a Christian, eternal life I’ll live with You.*
______________________________________________
*Words and music by Baynard L. Fox, copyright 1958, 1963, by Fox Music Publications.
