The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
What motivates me to walk along the ‘right paths’? Its the reputation of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Its for His name’s sake that Christians can be motivated to exercise faith in all things. Whenever and as often as we are tempted to take a short cut, sinful pleasure, or unrighteous path, we can draw strength from the knowledge that what we do, say and think either exalt the name of Christ Jesus or diminish His reputation.
Do I care that people associate my Christianity with Christ? Yes. And I want to be ever mindful that I reflect positively or negatively upon the one whose name I have taken. I am a Christian, a Christ-follower. I am trying to live my life by the words and example of Jesus.
God, I do not find it a burden, but rather a great opportunity and privilege to bear in a small way the name ‘Christian’. Help me uphold the wonderful name of Jesus today and for all my days.
