Let’s Claim the Name

In today’s world, it is necessary for Christian organizations to cooperate with all kinds of groups, secular and religious, political and non-political. Sometimes, Christian groups sense they have been “used” for someone else’s political or economic agenda. For instance, at the partnership signing of the United Methodist Committee on Overseas Relief (UMCOR), and the London-based Muslim Aid society, a few questions arose concerning “inclusiveness” compromises and Christian distinctiveness.

In a nutshell, Christians were “invited” not to mention or use the name Jesus Christ. The Muslims fear that “proselytizing” might occur and Muslims might accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, which would be most upsetting to Allah! The audacity is truly amazing considering that Muslim Aid has been linked with a number of militant groups and terrorism. In addition, Muslim Aid sends most of its support to Muslim communities to help poor Muslims observe their holy days.

Why should “Christian” money be used in such a fashion? Also, most Christian groups have tried to maintain the integrity of their Christian identity. Why should Christians acquiesce their identify in order to appease non-believers?!

The name Jesus may be seen as “divisive” to non-Christians. Too bad! It’s time for Christians everywhere to take seriously that “whatever we do in word, thought or deed, we do in the name of Jesus.” We serve in Jesus’ name; we pray in Jesus’ name; we give aid in Jesus’ name! It may be politically incorrect, but the reality is, when we don’t claim His name, we shame it.

Oh, by the way, the news reported a few months ago that the College of William and Mary, the second oldest university in the nation, built to train Anglican clergy, removed the cross from its Chapel, “in order to be more welcoming” to persons of other faiths. The Christian alumnus complained loudly . . . even threatened to withhold their financial support to the University! Today, the cross is back in the Chapel.

Christians, if we confess Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior, we need to do it unreservedly and boldly.

That’s who we are and what we do at Mt. Bethel.

Randy Mickler, D.Min.
Senior Pastor