Yeshua’ () developed into the English Jesus:
When I was small I watched Romper Room, and I know that dates me, but I’m ok with it. The show taught patriotism, to be polite, to exercises, to sing and enjoy life and moral lessons each day. Much of this is missing today when we all live in the world. During the show, they had a “magic mirror” and it was a time when many names of children were called out by Miss Nancy. As a kid we always listened to see if Miss Nancy would see us in her magic mirror. Our name was important to us as we watched.
As men of faith, we are instructed to live in the name of Jesus. We make an effort to live in such a way that others can see that we are walking on the narrow path of righteousness instead of the super highway of the world. We are to serve like the example that Jesus gave to His disciples as He washed the feet. When we do this we are acting in the name of Jesus. But, what’s in a name?
I have several friends that do things in the name of Jesus all the time. They are good examples for me as I try to walk on the path in the name of Jesus. I don’t think there is a call to service that one of my friends rejects. He is the dishwasher at every function; he is the coffee maker, the grass cutter, the go-getter, and the first when there is a call to prayer. He helps out at the addiction recovery center with Bible study. He is always looking for ways to serve others.
A lady friend in my church is always helping people with every function at the church. She organizes people to work in the kitchen when there is a meal, she helps with the Alpha project, and she participates in mission trips year after year. She uses her people skills to engage and connect people in the work of the church. She does these things in the name of Jesus.
Another friend, works with recovering addicts at the local mission center called El Pueblo, she helps with Hispanic people who are in need. She wears the name of Jesus as she works and prays for these missions. This is not her first job – it’s her love job. There are many people that live out their faith in my eyes, in the name of Jesus.
These are just three and there are many more. they do this out of love for Christ and not for recognition.
John Wesley said that you do not honor God through works alone. Wesley believed in Christian perfection of “holiness of heart and life.” It is “walking the talk.” John Wesley expected Christians to do not only “works of piety” but “works of mercy”–both of these fused together to put a Christian on the path to perfection in love. When you realize and except Jesus the works flow from you because of the love you have for Him.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and all your strength. And second one is this. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater command than this.” Mark 12: 29-31
Everyday, every Christian, every church, ever person should ask the question, “How do we treat other people?” Do we treat people with love in the Name of Jesus?
My hope for you is that you will walk on the narrow path as an example to the world on the super highway. In the name of Jesus you will finds ways to love and serve your neighbors. A neighbor is anyone in need.
Steve Rusk
About the Author
Yes! Do be a “do bee” and don’t be a “don’t bee.” The way I explain good works as they relate to one’s Christian walk is this: Lots of people hammer nails, but that doesn’t automatically make them all carpenters. But I guarantee you that every true carpenter does hammers nails–lots of them.