His Name
What a glorious name — the name of Christ! And what a glorious privilege it is to be able to wear that name — the name Christian! No greater blessing has ever befallen man than that.
The name Christian means Christ-like, one who has the spirit of Christ. Peter words it like this, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps." (1 Pet. 2:21).
That one who wears the name of Christ has the consolation of knowing that salvation is in the name he is wearing. This could not be said of any other name, whether it be old or comparatively young. With this in mind, Peter's statement seems to have a fuller meaning, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (1 Pet. 4:16). It is much easier to suffer for something when you realize the value of it. In this case, who should mind having to suffer a little, especially since salvation is at stake?
It is through the name Christian that God is glorified. Since every word and every deed is done in the name of Christ, providing one is a Christian, the child of God should be exceedingly careful to talk and act in such a way that the Lord will be honored in it all. The apostle Paul exhorts, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Col. 3:17).
It would do us all good to remember, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12).