Before I tell you about a new year’s resolution that works, let me ask you a question. What’s in a name? Likely your parents gave you your name. Why? Was it to honor a family member from the past? Was it just a name that was “in vogue” at the time? Or, was it a name from a name dictionary that meant something to your parents?
Regardless of why you were named or who named you, your name is significant. It identifies who you are and to whom you belong (your family name). A name can also carry a reputation with it – for good or bad. For example, because of the reputation of those in the past, some names are avoided when it comes to naming a child, like Adolph, Benedict, or Judas. Others have a good reputation, like Peter, Paul, or Mary. I think there was even a singing group named, “Peter, Paul and Mary”.
When people hear your name what do they think or say? For “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1).
The writer of Proverbs also says that if you want to have a good name “in the sight of God and man” then keep the Lord’s commands and let love and faithfulness be ever present in your heart (Prov. 3: 1-4). Not a bad new year’s resolution, yes?
Now, here is how you make it work; how you make it stick. The Apostle Paul tells the believers in Colossae, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6 -7). Paul goes on to give them what my NIV Bible calls “Rules for Holy Living” (Col. 3:1-17). He starts with positive thinking (vv. 1-4), then tells them what to avoid (in his words, “put to death,” vv. 5-9), what to properly “wear” (vv. 12-14), and what to put in their hearts and minds (vv. 15-16). He then concludes his general instructions to everyone in the church with these words: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (v.17). Happy New Year, everyone!
Submitted by: Rich Pollock, Worship Committee Chair