Carry His Name

1 Peter 4:16 NIV

"However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

Bearing the name Christian has been difficult through the ages.  The first Christians suffered at the hands of the Jews and then the Romans. The Middle Ages suffered the abuse of Christianity through those seeking power grabs and the rise of the Muslim hoards. 

Modern day Christians also face various forms of persecution.  The Communist countries imprison and murder Christians everyday.  Muslim countries force Christians to pay tributes, imprison them, or behead them. And in the United States, those who follow Christ are being forced out of the public square.

Some Christians have become ashamed to bear the name so they call themselves other things such as a follower of the Way or just a follower of Jesus. While our Christian family is being tortured and murdered across the globe, American Christians are worried about what people think of them. Rightly so but it is not the name. It is our actions that betray us.

When was the last time you truly praised God for saving you and placing the name of His Son on you? If the word Christian is truly becoming a bad name in our society, then the answer is not to change the name but to change the perception and become bearers of the cross once again.

Take time to be thankful you bear His name, pray for those suffering across the world, and become what God knows you can be.  You carry His name.  Share His love for His love conquers all.

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