HONOR GOD’S NAME

Prayer: We thank You, Lord, for the wonderful name You have given us. May we honor Jesus today as we wear the name Christian. Thank You. Amen.

Scripture: …Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26b NIV

My last name, Munn, is not difficult, but a kindergarten student in our school apparently misunderstood it. One day, in the cafeteria, she ran up to me, hugged me tightly, and said, “Hello, Miss Muffet.”

That became my nickname in the lounge for awhile – mainly because I am terrified of spiders.

I taught in the same district for over thirty years. Consequently, I taught many siblings as well as the parents of students. I always told my pupils if I called them by a relative’s name, they could feel free to correct me. I did, and they did!

Names are important to us. To some extent they are our identification. Make an effort to learn the names of your students quickly. Then, use those names regularly as you address each child.

While you’re learning your students’ names, make a conscious effort to think of your own name – not your family name, but the one given to you as a follower of Christ – Christian. Are students and fellow staff members aware that you wear such a special name? Not long after I began my career, the teacher across the hall came to my room after school. I was stunned by her words: “I just told one of my parents she needs to talk to you I know you’re a Christian, and you can offer the kind of help she needs.” That cemented in my mind the need to be Christ-like in all situations.

You may not often have opportunity to speak openly of your faith in the school setting, but live in such a way that there is no mistake about what name you wear.

Copyright Joyce Anne Munn.