Tag: Honoring Jesus’ Name

“What’s Wrong with Double Standards”

When something happens where a double standard is applied, many cry, “Hey, that’s a double standard.” And then pontificate on the  observation that the other person has a double standard. The sad irony is: the one with the double standard doesn’t care that they have a double standard. In fact, it is perfectly all right to have one.

 So instead of merely identifying those with a double standard, don’t you think it is also necessary to present what is wrong with a double standard? 

Let’s explore for a few moments what is wrong with a double standard. First of all, perhaps you would agree with me that a double standard will soon show itself to be an inadequate way of life. Trust evaporates and integrity goes the way of the dinosaurs. With a double standard, don’t you think even society itself will burn out? In my opinion, it will at some point be impossible to live as a society because once one double standard is replaced with another double standard, how do they know they will not turn on themselves? A house divided cannot stand, right? And isn’t a double standard really a house divided?

 What about those who say, “No justice, No peace?” Can we agree that if there is a double standard, there is no justice, and thus no peace? But can we also agree that if a double standard is the very charge of the cry, and the response is to replace the alleged double standard with another, how is this justice?  And how will it lead to peace?

It behooves us then to turn to Jesus, Who is the standard, and make sure we ourselves do not have a double standard. Have you observed that Jesus constantly called out the Pharisees for their duplicity—their hypocrisy? And when He did, He often noted it with severe warnings of the consequences of such a lifestyle or standard? Perhaps we should be doing the same thing, but first applying His standard—which is no double standard—to ourselves and then perhaps to others, wouldn’t you agree?

Main Text— Proverbs 11:3 (NIV84)— The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.—Matthew 7:5 (NIV84)

 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.—Matthew 23:15 (NIV84)

  The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.—Proverbs 10:9 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, remove any duplicity and hypocrisy far from me. Clean my heart and make me whole. Be my integrity as Your transforming of my soul on the inside becomes evident to all on the outside. In this You will be pleased and I will honor You with my Life. In Your Name, may it be so!

Pastor Mike

“Honoring His Holy Name”

Date: 07-16-15

My Thoughts:

As I was growing up, I distinctly remember being taught not to say the name of Jesus because I just might say it in vain. So I never said His Name except when prompted by the liturgy… Years later, after coming into a personal relationship with the Lord, I remember the first time I said His name. I waited for lightning to strike or at least some rumble of thunder to warn me not to do this. Alas, nothing so dramatic like this happened.

However, what did happen was a rather strange, yet awkward reverential peace flooding my person. It was very quiet, but very noticeable. Then being tagged as a Jesus Freak in the mid 70’s added to the preciousness of His Name. …

But then I began to notice others speak His Name as if it were some magic formula. For example, some felt unless they ended their prayers with “In Jesus’ Name,” it would not be heard, or maybe if they did, it would most definitely be answered—quickly. Then there were those who shouted at demons to “come out in the Name of Jesus!” I was deeply taken aback, not sure what to make of this.

Have You noticed this, too? Sometimes I even tag a prayer with “in the Jesus’ Name” as if this has some magical power, but I do know that if I keep the personal nature of my prayers directed toward the Father and the Son in the Spirit, He hears me regardless.

What are your thoughts on how we can honor His Holy Name without reducing it to a magical formula? Is it strictly a matter of the heart?

Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Main Text: — Acts 3:6-7 — 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  [NIV84]

Additional Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.  — John 16:23-24 (NIV84)

 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.  — Acts 4:12 (NIV84)

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   — Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV84)

 Heavenly Father, forgive me for treating lightly or even magically Your Son’s precious Name. Guard my heart from dishonoring His Name through my words and actions. May I always honor the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen.

Pastor Mike