How Important Is Your Name? Series

People are significant and we can make a difference. A week ago yesterday, June 6th was the 65th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, “D-Day” during World War II. Where were you that day? If you go to Normandy today, spread across the wind swept hills, you’ll find rows and rows of white crosses. We’re free today because during the three month battle of Normandy, nearly fifty-three thousand people paid the ultimate price to defeat Nazi tyranny. No fewer than 9,400 grave markers overlook Omaha Beach, many of them bearing the names of men who died during the first hours of this invasion in France. Beneath every white marker lies a person of significance because each one had an impact on the rest of history, each one made a difference. It is a very moving place to be. Visitors frequently weep quietly because there the real heroes of the war are silently honored. If you’ve made a trip to Washington DC and stood before the Viet Nam memorial you’ll experience the same. Name after name listed on the wall, men and women of significance who made a difference. What about you.

Chuck Swindoll, Pastor, prolific writer and teacher asks two questions in his book entitled “Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives.” What about you.

“Would you like to be a person of significance or a person of renown?” The answer to that question can shape the rest of our lives. For the vast majority, we would choose significance. God can use each of us to make a difference in the small corners of our lives. Our families, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors. Integrity, character, Christ-like examples.

“Which is more important to you; the quality of your impact on the world or the size of it?” A probing question, think about it. Most of us are conditioned by the world to think we can have both, but we really only have one. And I believe we know the answer.

How far did Jesus travel to make an impact for thousands of years to follow? The Bible is filled with accounts regarding how God used people in powerful ways. Yes, we are motivated by knowing the lives of David, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Paul. But there are hundreds more who left a huge mark, but perhaps in a smaller way. Hosea, Micah, Amos, James, Mary Madeline.

Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the Scriptures from Latin to German?

Who spoke to Dwight L. Moody in the shoe store that day, a conversation that ultimately led Moody to Christ, which in turn led to a magnificent life of evangelism?

Who was the elderly lady who prayed for Billy Graham every day of her adult life, especially as his ministry reached worldwide significance?

Who gave Charles Wesley his start as a composer, leaving the church with more than five thousand hymns?

How important is a name? Can we make a difference? I think we can.

This is a wonderful story. Not theological but it certainly talks about the importance of a name.

His name was Butch O’Hare. One of the hero’s of World War II. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific. One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to the ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning, he saw something that turned his blood cold. A squadron of enemy fighters was speeding its way toward the American fleet. Since all the American fighters were gone, the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn’t reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of the enemy planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber bullets blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised plane after another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until finally all of his ammunition was spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to at least clip off a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as he could, rendering them unfit to fly.