The Name You Wear

Acts 11:19-30

It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26)

THE TERM “CHRISTIAN” THAT was applied to early believers meant “little Christs,” and it wasn’t necessarily a compliment. It was a convenient label that reflected their focus on their Savior, as well as their messianic desire to save the world. Even so, Christians bore the name willingly, embracing its suggestion that they looked something like Jesus. Peter urged his readers to praise God for bearing that name even in the midst of their sufferings (1 Peter 4:16). What was a pejorative term for some became a badge of honor for others.

The name is often used with contempt today, too. For many people, the word “Christian” has a negative connotation of an entire subculture, way of thinking, political persuasion, naiveté, or even ignorance. Within the church, we use it comfortably. Outside the church, we are much more hesitant because we know the reactions it brings.

Most people today do not respond to Christian faith and teachings purely on the presentation of truths and implications. They see the truths and implications as part of a package, and you are part of it—the good, the bad, the ugly, and every other connotation or assumption that comes up in people’s minds when they hear the words “Christian,” “church,” “Jesus,” and the like. You have the opportunity, however, of defying stereotypes and changing perceptions one heart at a time, and it’s important to take that opportunity seriously. Much of the world thinks we have a branding problem. They aren’t wrong.

The power of Christianity comes from much more than branding, of course. Our influence in the world is not simply a matter of PR. But reputations are nevertheless important, and we all have a part in establishing the reputation of the whole. Living with love, joy, kindness, generosity, humility, integrity, and everything else honorable in this world will change the way many people see our faith. It will remind them of the truths we teach. And it will demonstrate something of the Kingdom and its King, just as the Christians who first wore the name did long ago.

{Jesus, it is an honor to be associated with you by both admirers and critics. One of my highest goals is to change how people see you and to bring honor to your name. May I represent it well. Amen.