11.18.04

Today’s Devotional was written by Walker Moore of Awe Star Ministries. Visit their website at www.awestar.org.

But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. - 1 Peter 4:16 NASB®.

I can only imagine how confusing life must be for people with common names. I do not know how people with the same name figure out who is talking to whom in a large group. “Hi, John, I would like you to meet John.” “ Good to meet you, John.” “John and John have you ever meet John?” I have an unusual name, so when it is spoken I am usually the only one who answers.

Once I looked up the names of all the ministers in my denomination and discovered that there are two other men with the same first and last name as mine. In fact, I met one Walker Moore’s wife by accident. I was standing out in the foyer at one of those religious conventions. (No one really goes to those conferences to learn, they go to meet their friends in the foyer and to get away from the deacons.)

A lady came out of the auditorium saying she did not feel well. Just as she walked by me, she fainted. Trying to be the Good Samaritan, I attempted to offer some assistance as she came to. I said, “My name is Walker Moore. How can I help you? I will be glad to call an ambulance or someone else for you.” She said, “You cannot be Walker Moore…that is my husband.” And to think about it now, it was strange that I was holding a Mrs. Walker Moore who was not my wife.

While speaking at Oklahoma Baptist University I met someone else who shared my name. A couple of students came up to me saying, “I would like to introduce you to Walker Moore.” I smiled, preparing to extend my hand. But the college student said, “No, not you. This guy’s name is Walker Moore.” I thought it was joke. You know college students. They do not have much to do but sit around eating pizza thinking up new pranks. I said, “Sure. You want me to believe that your first name is Walker and your last name is Moore?” But sure enough, there is another Walker Moore. He thanked me because people kept coming to him and telling him they enjoyed reading his books.

Standing in a room with a person who has the exact same name as me was a new experience. But, in some ways I am used to having the same name as others. The name “Christian.” 1 Peter 4:16 says we should praise God that we carry the name Christian. After all, “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (Proverbs 22:1).”

So for all the Christians out there (and any other Walker Moores) carry the name with honor!

Insight: Your children need to learn what their name means and that when they accept Christ they are given a higher name.

Prayer: Dear Father, I know that you think names are very important. You asked Adam to name all of the animals. You gave us a list of Your names and even tell us that You have a name that no one knows of except You. And You are always telling us what people’s names mean. May we carry our name with honor as we reflect the name of Christ. Amen.