Many families take a stand when it comes to defending their family name.
Do you remember back in the days when you couldn’t play with the name of your family? When I say ‘play’, I mean, doing anything that will put your family in shame. This was not tolerated – family members would do whatever it took to protect the image of their name.
You could be scolded or pretty much banished if you dared to bring shame to the family name.
This is a classic example of what I mean: If someone got pregnant before marriage, at times this person was sent off to stay with a family member, far away in a little town where nobody knew of her family. Not to mention if someone got into trouble with the law and spent some time in jail. Things like this usually put so much shame on the name of a family, sometimes people especially children, lie to evade the shame of a parent or sibling who is locked up.
I believe you get the picture and we can all agree that no one wants to put the name of their beloved family to shame.
We should all have the same zeal to protect and sanctity of the name of the God of the Bible. Take a look at this Bible verse:
“And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD,” says the Lord GOD, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.” (Ezekiel 36:23).
After reading this verse, have you recognized any ways in which you have been putting the name of the Lord to shame? Take a stand today, cut off all the activities from your life that bring shame to His name.
The reality is, you are the one who will benefit from this action. You will be able to enjoy a life of peace, one that will shine light upon those you come into contact with. What a great blessing this would be in these dark times we are living in. Let your light shine and bring honor and glory to the name of the Lord.
May the God of the Bible bless you!
Bishop Bira Joshua
