The Family Name

Scripture-
Ephesians 3:14-15, NASB
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name


Observation-
Paul bows his knees before God- "for this reason."  What is that reason?  Being the very least of all saints and knowing what God's gift of grace really means for his life? Because God has made him a minister of the Gospel to the Gentiles?  I think that is most likely it since that would lead very naturally into this prayer for them.
Every family (in heaven and on earth) gets it's name from God. Other translations: the whole family.  A brief look into this idea suggests that Paul is talking about all believers- those who are on earth and those who have gone before us to heaven.

Application-
It is easy to think of myself as just Debra Davis.  That is my name.  But that has not always been my name.  Before I married my beloved man I was a Wigfield.  It identified me with a certain group of people.  My grandfather often referred to our family as "my people."  Growing up, people identified me with my grandparents a lot.
My sons have learned that they are identified with their father.  Once people make the connection on campus that their dad is a professor, they are no longer just another name but they are closely associated with the man who gave them their name.  Because of their dad's position on campus they have often heard us say, "Don't do anything that would embarrass your dad or get him fired."  Their actions reflect on their father's reputation.
When I became a believer my name was changed, but you wouldn't know it when I introduce myself.  We call ourselves Christians.  The name by whom we are known is Christ's.  I have a t-shirt that identifies me as a "Jesus Girl," but I do not wear it all that often.  What if I did?  How differently would I behave?

The world is watching us, and it really wants to see us stumble and fall.  It wants to catch us in embarrassing situations.  It is looking for us to bring dishonor to the family name.  I need to live in a manner worthy of the name that God has given me.  Paul has a lot to say about that beginning next in Chapter 4.  I am going to start praying now that I hear everything that God wants to say to me about the way I live my life.


Blessings,
Deb