Author: Pastor Robin Tyner
Why is it when someone says our name we instantly perk up and pay more attention? I know when someone remembers and uses my name, I feel respected and valued. That could be because our name is the greatest connection to our identity and our individuality. According to Dale Carnegie, “A person’s name is to him, or her, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”
The Bible is full of references to the power of using names. Jesus said, “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). How encouraging that Jesus knows us and calls us by name! Also, we read in the Gospel of Mark one of the first things Jesus did when he called his disciples was to give some of them a new name (Mark 3:13-17).
God believes that each of the stars are so unique, and valuable, that he gives each one a name: “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names” (Psalm 147:4). The apostle John exhorted the believers at the end of his third letter by saying, “Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name” (3 John 14).
People like to feel important, and by using someone’s name it goes a long way to achieving this. It does take effort, but it is well worth it because a person’s name is the doorway into their world, and has the power to open a connection and make an impact in their life.
At Stonebridge, we see ourselves as a family and we want to act like a family. Over this next year, we want to take the time to make new connections, love one another and walk alongside each other as we take our next steps with Jesus. One of the best ways we can make new connections and strengthen relationships is to intentionally learn, and use, people’s names.
Try it this week: introduce yourself to someone new and then call them by name when you see them again
Photo Credit: Xjon Tyson, Unsplash
