What’s In A Name? – Sunday, March 17, 1985
Shakespeare’s Juliet, on her balcony pondered a question that gives cause for consideration yet today. “What’s in a name?” she asked. “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet…”1 And, she noted that her beloved Romeo would still be the same person if he were named something else.
Perhaps. Perhaps not. The names with which we associate ourselves can have an effect for good or ill upon the direction we take in our lives. A name made noble by a life well lived can be a treasured inheritance for future generations.
Shortly after the American Civil War, a ten-year-old black orphan wandered through Missouri and Kansas. Penniless, without education, family, or connections, his chances for success were slim at best. But this young man had been given the proud name of America’s first president. Perhaps his name helped direct and shape his destiny as he added the luster of his own life to that illustrious name. Today, the name George Washington Carver scientist, teacher, and humanitarian—is a heritage to hand down to future generations.
Following the Civil War, a group of businessmen approached the most respected leader in the south. They would pay him for the use of his name in their enterprise. But Robert E. Lee said, “Gentlemen, my good name is about all I have left from this terrible war, and it is not for sale.”
General Lee understood Biblical injunction, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”2
And it is not just personal and family names that help direct our course and describe who we are. We call ourselves Americans or Japanese, Democrats, Rotarians, Boston Celtics, Boy Scouts, or any number of other names to help describe to others and ourselves who we are, what we believe in, and what we are about.
Sometimes our most serious commitments can be summed up in a name. The early Christians had only to stop calling themselves by that name to escape the martyr’s fires and the lion’s dens. But they chose to die rather than do so.
The names we assume may be powerful molding, guiding, and directing influences in our lives. So what are the most important names we might take upon ourselves? The prophet Jeremiah rejoiced that he could be called by the name of God.3 Could there be a better name for us to be identified by? Graciously the Lord allows us to be called by His name if we believe in His words and try to do His works. And taking His name upon us can be the most powerful force for good we can bring to ourselves and to the world.
1 Shakespeare, William, “Romeo And Juliet,” Act 2, Scene 2, The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare, Spring Books, London, Pg. 901
2 Old Testament, Proverbs 22:1
3 Old Testament, Jeremiah 15 and 16
March 17, 1985
Broadcast Number 2,900