~ by Terry Walters
Proverbs 22:1-2; Ecclesiastes 7:1
I think it was Shakespeare that asked, “What’s in a name?”
and then said something about some things still stink no matter what you call them.
Or something like that! Anyway, I have always been a nickname kind of guy.
I call lots of people by nicknames
and I've had a few myself over the years.
My full name is Terry Edward Walters.
My mom especially, but perhaps others, too, called me Terry Ed
a lot when I was little and that got scrunched down to Ted.
Several family members called me Ted when I was young -
and one still does.
My cousin Jack calls me Ted more often than he calls me Terry.
I like that - makes it a special memory and relationship.
I was Waldo throughout high school and when I did some “gospel clowning”
a few years back, my clown persona was Waldo!
Names, especially nicknames, can reveal some things about us -
physical attributes, character traits, or family connections.
In Old Testament times, they were often revealing
and sometimes even prophetic.
Names back then tended to say something about who you are.
Waldo may have done that with me!
Anyway, we all understand using the word ‘name’ as meaning reputation,
and the Bible says a good name (reputation) is invaluable.
We all know that actions speak louder than words, too.
Good actions come from good character and good character
is developed best by spending time with God.
It is important for you have a good reputation,
so spend time with the “good reputation” Maker!
Prayer:Dear Father, we praise You for how You lovingly,
powerfully crafted our lives since the beginning.
We thank You that Your Spirit dwells within us
to help us be the kind of people we ought to be.
We confess that we fall short so often but ask Your forgiveness
and help to be people whose words and lives bring honor to you.
Continue to work in us so that we have the right character and testimony,
especially since we have taken the name “Christian.”
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