What Do You Want to Be Called?

When Carolyn and I first met one of our neighbors, we introduced ourselves as Carolyn and Tommy Herndon. He very quickly told us his name was “Mr…”.  This took us by surprise but I have meet people before who wanted to be known by their credentials – the titles they held or the things they had achieved.

When reading Exodus 34:5-7, I was struck by how God revealed himself to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Here was the creator of the world but God didn’t use His titles.  He was the maker of 100 billion galaxies, but these feats weren’t mentioned. God introduced Himself as “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (vs. 6) When God introduced Himself he didn’t list his titles or achievements but rather the kind of character He has.

Titles have their place but what really matters in life is how compassionate, gracious and loving we’re becoming.  People will discover your title and achievements but what they first want to know is how gracious and loving you are. God has modeled what true success is.  True success is not written on our business cards or our resumes.  True success is how we are becoming like God – our Creator! What aspect of God’s character needs to grow in you today?

Prayer – Loving God, make me compassionate, gracious, patient and loving. May I grow more like You every day.  Amen.

Exodus 34:6 – The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Author: Tommy Herndon