It dawned on me about eight years ago. I was talking with someone who wanted to put
something in our church bulletin, but didn’t want to have their name attached to it. I remember thinking that including their name would be a great help to the effectiveness and the outcome of the announcement. The person insisted that they didn’t want their name on there because they didn’t want it to be about them.
The instance brought a fresh perspective to me about the use of our names. I, in fact, had dealt with the same feelings to that point. It didn’t always feel comfortable putting my name on information, letters and publicity relating to ministry events. But it changed for me that day. As stewards of all the possessions and blessings that God gives us, we seek to use them for His glory. We open our home to people for him, we use our cars for him, we use our talents for him. But, when it comes to something as little at our first and last name, we hold on to it. Maybe not even being aware that we do, we worry that it might seem like it’s too much about us and not about Jesus.
It’s pretty obvious that it’s not about us. In an effort to be humble, we lessen the power of connecting to people.
I have always remembered that experience and have attached my name wherever and whenever it might add even the smallest amount of value in reaching people with the gospel.
There are many different ways a person could think about this concept, I realize, but I want to be a steward of the name I have been given. In addition to giving everything I have, I also give the Lord my name. He can use it for his glory anytime or way that he sees fit.
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1-2