It’s that time of year when American football fans begin talking smack about their favorite team’s rivals. It’s easy to do so since regular-season games have not been played as yet. Once the real games begin, and as the season continues, it becomes obvious which teams are stronger and better equipped to make the playoffs. Smack talk gets cut in half.

Loathing and derision begin at this point. People begin to take the name of Jerry Jones in vain when, once again, the Cowboys fail to play at an elite level through a full season. Fans wear Cowboys gear less often. Bumper stickers get scraped off. Sports talk radio is filled with rants. 

We have so much to look forward to this season, don’t we?

When you read the Old Testament historical narratives and the prophets, you see how the people lived on a downward trek in their relationship with God. Everything about God’s special people was becoming worse. God warned his people again and again. They pretended rituals were all that was required to honor God. They added other gods to God. They substituted other gods for God. They refused to turn away from their sins.

They did not honor God’s name, character, or relationship. 

Jesus brought restoration to that broken relationship. He showed people the true face of God. He displayed God’s character. He did God’s works. He spoke God’s words of truth and life. He invited everyone into a deep and abiding relationship with his Father. He said we could call him our Father in Heaven. 

God the Father wants to adopt everyone into his family. He wants everyone to know and experience him in all of his goodness, mercy, and love. He wants to empower them to live as change agents in their homes and communities. He wants to display his kindness and compassion to everyone everywhere. 

This is how we honor God’s name and keep it holy. His name represents all of who he is and all of what he does. We honor his name when we join him in extending his grace to all who have not yet experienced it. 

Honor God’s name. Experience his character. Extend his kingdom.

—

I will honor God’s name and keep it holy.

—

Our Father, empower me to live a life that honors your name, displays your character, and extends your kingdom. Amen.