And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26 ESV)
Names
I have usually been glad that my name, Thomas, is usually understand to mean, “twin.” I do not have a twin. So my name meaning, “twin” does not give me anything to live up to.
Maybe it is harder for those of you with names like, Grace, Hope, or Joy. Every time someone calls your name, perhaps it reminds you of a trait that you desire to display more fully.
Or perhaps your name is like William, which means strong protector. Every day Williams are challenged to be strong, and to protect.
Maybe your name is like Susan, which means Lilly of the Valley. Susans might feel pressure to be beautiful, peaceful, and adorning.
It is hard to live up to a name. And often we are aware that we cannot.
But Christ’s people have one name that someone else fulfills for us. That name is “Christian.” Language differences being what they are, “Christian” means little Christ, Christlike, or belongs to Christ.
That might seem as intimidating as William or Susan! But it is not.
Because being a Christian means that Christ fulfills the meaning of the name FOR us.
His sacrifice makes us perfect in God’s eyes. His obedience makes us obedience in God’s eyes. His life, and death, and life make us little Christs.
We can not live up to our name… other than the name of Christ, which He lives up for us.