Walk Worthy of His Name

When my wife was pregnant, many had asked us what we would name our son. That was one of the easiest decisions for us as first-time parents and we went ahead with the name Joshua. There are two reasons why this name is particularly meaningful to us.

Firstly, Joshua has always been one of my favourite characters in the Bible. He was a man who remained faithful to God and led Israel with courage and conviction. Near the end of his life, he said, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). His influence was such that Scripture records, “And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua” (Joshua 24:31).

Secondly, the name Joshua itself carries a beautiful meaning. It comes from the Hebrew word Yehoshua, meaning “The LORD is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.”

As parents, the name we give our child is important to us. We hope that, as Joshua grows up, his name will not merely be something written on his birth certificate, but that he will come to understand what it represents and, more importantly, he will come to know and faithfully serve the God of our salvation.

But thinking about his name causes me to consider another name - a name that every disciple of Jesus Christ bears: Christian. This word is first mentioned in the book of Acts 11:26.

Acts 11:26 tells us, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

If our names carry meaning, what about us who are called Christians, having obeyed the plan of salvation and followed Christ? What does it say about us? And more importantly: Does the way we live reflect the name that we bear?

Perhaps we can remember what it means to bear the name Christian through the following acronym: C.H.R.I.S.T.

C – Our CALLING

Paul wrote:

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1)

Being a Christian is more than a title we wear on Sundays. We have been called to follow Christ, and that calling should shape how we live every day - in church, at work and at home.

H – Our HOLINESS

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” (1 Peter 1:15)

If we bear Christ’s name, our lives should increasingly resemble Him whose name we bear. Holiness should influence our words, choices and conduct, even when nobody else is watching.

R – Our RESPONSIBILITY

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

A name carries responsibility. When we identify ourselves as Christians, our behaviour ought to reflect the faith we profess.

This is especially important for us as Christian men. Christianity should be seen not merely in what we say, but in how we love, speak, make decisions and treat those closest to us.

I – Our IDENTITY

Earlier, Acts 11:26 tells us that the disciples were called Christians. A Christian, therefore, is not merely someone who wears a religious label. We are disciples and followers of Christ.

Paul said:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

The world may identify us by our occupation, achievements, education, possessions or social status. These things may describe parts of our lives, but they should never become the foundation of who we are.

Above all these things, our identity is found in Christ.

S – Our SERVICE

Jesus said:

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

If our Lord came to serve, His followers should be servants too.

As Christian men, we should ask ourselves: “Whom am I serving?” Are we willing to sacrifice our time, care for the needs of others, encourage our brethren and serve even when no recognition is given?

For those of us who are husbands and fathers, we can also ask: “Am I merely leading my family, or am I serving my family as well?”

T – Our TESTIMONY

Jesus said:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

The people who observe us most closely may not be strangers or colleagues. They are often those living under the same roof.

Our families see us when we are tired, frustrated and when things do not go our way. Our children may hear many sermons in their lifetime, but one of their earliest examples of Christianity will be us.

What testimony are we showing them?

Without CHRIST, I Am Nothing

When we name our children, we often think carefully about what their names mean and perhaps what we hope they will become.

But perhaps we should think just as seriously about the name we carry.

We are called Christians.

C - Calling

H - Holiness

R - Responsibility

I - Identity

S - Service

T - Testimony

I once came across an illustration concerning the word CHRISTIAN. If we take CHRIST out of CHRISTIAN, we are left with I-A-N — “I Am Nothing.”

It reminds us of the words of Jesus:

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

As Christian men, our greatest responsibility is not simply to build successful careers, provide comfortable homes or give our children every opportunity in life. Important as these may be, there is something of greater and eternal value: showing those around us what it means to belong to Christ.

Whether we are single or married, whether we are sons, brothers, husbands or fathers, we all bear the same name - Christian. May our parents, siblings, friends, brethren, wives and children see in us men who are striving to become more like Christ.

So, as we think about our own names and the reputation associated with them, let us ask ourselves:

What will the name Christian mean to those around us when they see it lived out in us?

Let’s strive to walk worthy of the name we bear, remembering that the most important part of being a Christian is to follow the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

For without Christ, I am nothing.