For His Name's Sake

I’m sure you and I have been experiencing the same wave of emotions lately. The last few weeks have been heavy - does anyone else feel that weight on their hearts too? In recent events in our Nation, I have gone through a variety of feelings. I have cried, been angry, overwhelmed, encouraged, inspired, and have been challenged to do things outside my safe little comfort zone! I think for the first time in a long time, we as Christ followers all feel the weight and urgency of our calling – to share the Good News of salvation to ALL who can hear it - For His Name’s sake!

Recently, I attended a conference with my husband, and one of the pastors at the conference shared an inspiring message and challenged us all about what our true motives are when we seek to share Christ - to be a light to a dark world. Remembering that in every circumstance – ordering our favorite coffee, picking up groceries, a doctor’s visit, and the list goes on – we are a representation of Christ. Why? Not for our own glory – but for His Name’s Sake!

My husband, Craig, grew up in a VERY small town in central Illinois. His dad was a farmer and his Mom was a housewife. Their name is known in their community. They are known for being kind, giving, and hardworking followers of Jesus. So in the central Illinois area, my husband’s name, and now mine, the name “Dyson” connected him to others, for better or for worse. Craig has 2 older sisters who attended the small Christian school where he attended. They came before him and naturally caused expectations of how he’d behave – because they are of the same family. My in-laws took great care to instill integrity and Christian values in their children for their family name’s sake.

But on an even greater and more eternal scale, you and I, as followers of Jesus Christ, carry a much richer and meaningful namesake with us. We live our lives as Believers for His Name’s Sake. We can see in Colossians where Paul writes to the believers in the church of Colossae:

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Paul was literally calling these Colossian believers a chosen people, holy and dearly loved. His words are for you and I even still today!

Colossians 3:12-16

“…holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Paul is encouraging those believers long ago in Colossae, and believers today, to put on the clothes of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This helps us reflect the image of our heavenly Father – it’s for His Name’s Sake.

The world is filled with evil. Everywhere, there are displays of the likeness of the very real enemy against the Church and our Savior. But Jesus came to break the power of sin and the grave and to set free all those who are called by His Name. For His Name’s Sake, Sisters in Christ, let’s unapologetically and boldly lift His mighty Name high! Not for us, but for His Name’s Sake!

Prayer Points:

• Lord, Allow me to wake up each day with Your thoughts in my mind.

• Help me to strive to have Your praises on my lips and Your joy in my heart.

• Encourage me daily to put on the clothes of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

• Let everything I do and all that I am be for Your Name’s Sake!

Suggested Prayer:

Father God, I come before You in the Name of Jesus and thank You for giving us all that we need in Your Holy Word to serve and live in a manner that is pleasing to You. Lord, help me to wake up each day with Your thoughts in my mind and Your praise on my lips. Father, help me to daily put on the clothes of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience – for Your Name’s Sake. Help me to get my own selfish desires and thoughts out of the way to live a life that boldly points others to You. Let others see You in me and stir in their hearts the desire to learn more about You. I love You, I praise You, and I give my life to You – please use me for Your honor, Your glory, and for Your Name’s Sake! Amen.

Because of His Grace,

Amanda Dyson

Mid-Way Baptist Church

Flourish Women's Ministry