Friends: Whose name do we seek to glorify in this life: Ours, or the name of our Lord Jesus Christ? My wife Pam shared some thoughts on the matter at MCA’s graduation Friday night. School’s out! Enjoy the summer. Blessings, Bob

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Spirituality Column #967

May 27, 2025

Common Christianity / Uncommon Commentary

Your Name Here

By Pam Walters

“… a name which is above every name … that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” – Philippians 2:9-11

Once again, I give the byline to my wife Pam, who Friday night May 23 delivered the “Charge to Seniors” at our Class of 2025 Mission Christian Academy graduation. I present this not just because I am biased, but because I pray for this message to resonate in every high school graduate’s heart.  Only a few will hear it.

Pam points out that her inspiration for this message came from a sermon a couple months ago by Dave Faust, senior associate minister at our East 91^st Street Christian Church in northeast Indianapolis. He preached about Bible names famous and not so famous, focusing on Aaron’s brother-in-law Nahshon (Numbers1, 2, 7, and 10). Nahshon is also listed in genealogies appearing in Ruth, 1 Chronicles, and Matthew 1.

But Dave’s point wasn’t about rarely heralded Nahshon; his point was about whose name do we prioritize: Ours, or the Lords? That message struck Pam as a “spot on” winner for her address to her beloved MCA graduating seniors.

We just heard each of your names called as you received your diplomas.

It seems like yesterday that I was calling off many of your names, taking attendance on our first MCA day together four years ago. Not all of you were present on that August day in 2021.  You joined the class in later months and years, each addition adding to the rich fabric and vitality of this class of 2025.  

Somewhere along the line, I realized that none of you have the same name.  Yes, two girls in the class share the same name, but they are spelled differently so this still works.  Each of your names is your own.  The hearing of each of your names brings a flood of memories and emotions to everyone in this place who knows you.  You have each left your mark on MCA and on each of our hearts.  We love you, and in the days to come, every time we hear one of your names, we will smile.

When you were born, your parents gave you that name, and naming you was no small decision.  Perhaps there was a family name and tradition, dictating what would be your name. Some of your names were chosen because of what they mean, and your name carries a message with it, reflecting certain traits or values.  Whether you view your name as good or bad, it is yours, and it will follow you all of your life.  It is part of your story.

There are many well-known names throughout history:  General Grant, Joan of Arc, Michael Jordan, Hitler, Corey Ten Boom.  We hear these names, and they stir feelings of respect and admiration or horror.  In the Bible, certain names bring similar responses:  David, Moses, Rahab, and Saul.  These are names we all recognize.  But what about Hezron? Ram? Amminadab and Nahshon? These aren’t quite so recognizable, but they all had a story and a name known unto God.

You are going from this place in many different directions with many different goals.  There may be times when you feel like you aren’t accomplishing much, that what you are doing is insignificant.  In those times, remember that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.  The life you lead from this moment on should not be about being famous - striving to make a name for yourself – but about being faithful.  God loves you greatly and always will even if your name is never widely known among men.

I mentioned the Biblical name of Nahshon.  Not a character most of us know, and probably not the name you will choose for your first born son. But when you look into his story, you will learn that his sister married Aaron, which therefore put Nahshon and Moses together at family reunions. 

We learn he was a leader of one of the tribes of Judah, ruling over 74,000 people.  When the temple was dedicated, he was the first to show up with a large offering.  And Jewish tradition – not Biblical – says that Nahshon was the first one to step into the Red Sea, and it was up to his nose before the waters parted. Nahshon is listed in the genealogy of Jesus.  Who knew that Nahshon was kind of a big deal!!!  God knew.

The world will tell you to go out there and make a name for yourself.  Do something to leave your mark on society; seek after fame and fortune so you can leave a legacy for those who follow.  But Jesus tells us to seek after Him first.  Make your life’s goal service to Him; bring glory to His name, not your own.  Do not let your motivation be to be seen of men (Matthew 6:1), but to honor and glorify our great and awesome God. Let your life be holy. Let your actions be pure. Let your priorities keep you faithful because the book of Proverbs tells us that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1).

When I was young, I remember being told that I might be the only Bible someone ever reads. The same will be true of each of you.  Therefore, let your lives speak volumes about the God you serve. When others hear your name, may they recall a person who represents Christ Jesus. When others look at you, may they see someone who lives his or her life to honor and glorify the name of Jesus.

Everyone here at MCA has been blessed by your lives.  You are a very special group of young people; we hope that the education you have received will serve you well as you make choices about your future.  But more importantly, we hope you will stand on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus, and that you will take His name with you wherever you go, in whatever you do.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com), Bob, that is, notes that MCA in Fishers, Ind., opened in the fall of 2021 in a small rented church with 38 students. Enrollment this fall will top 530. It is MCA’s third graduating class, and Pam’s third year giving the senior charge, which by the way also appears in the MCA yearbook. And …  Aaron’s wife’s name was Elisheba, mentioned only in Exodus 6:23. For Pam’s previous column, her address to MCA’s April all-school chapel, here’s a link: #963 4-29-25 - His Name is Jesus.