What's in a Name?
By
Lena Carroll
Originally printed in Hobbie$, Etc., an AMEA Publication
In the New Testament many people are spoken of -- some with praise, some with love, and some with fear. Names mean different things to different people -- a name, over the years, gains an aura of its own.
Stop and think of the name of Joe. How many people have you known named Joe? Were they alike? I don't mean, tall or short -- fat or thin -- blond or dark.
I'm asking you to think of the person named Joe.
Is he mean? Good? Wise? Foolish? Fun? Or a wet blanket? Is he one who learns? Or has he no interest in learning?
Names. How about the name Mary? Miriam? Maria?
The name, Paul -- what is your immediate feeling? Then, Saul? A small man -- or one who is head and shoulders above the crowd?
Close your eyes now and think of this name -- keep your first thought.
Church,
the name, CHURCH. What is the picture you saw?
In the New Testament, the Church is really the EKKLESIA. That word has a meaning -- No! It has three meanings. First, though, it is the word, "In Christ".
1. Christians in a house-hold.
2. Christians in a city.
3. Christians in the world.
So you see when you say "I belong to the Church," you are saying:
You belong to your household;
You belong to your city;
You belong to the world.
You can no longer live alone and for yourself alone.
As you pray and work and love, and nurture those around you, so you receive all this and more returned in great measure. A name such
as Christian is very important.
Paul presents us with a photo album of those with whom he worked, prayed, lived, suffered, or, rejoiced.
When you read his verses from the New Testament, they are filled with character snapshots of the people his life touched.
Have you an album of people?
Where did you find them -- or did they find you?
What do they mean to you -- you to them?
Are you uplifted by them -- Is your love of life increased with their presence? Does being with them make you love more? Give more? Do more?
Seek out people to help -- thereby helping yourself.
The love of God reigns strong in the people who live to the fullest this life that God has given us --
The Name of God blesses us all.
| 
