Public Evaluation

Ross* and I were talking. I have no idea what about – just talking. Then he asked me if I knew so-and-so. Yes, I knew the man. He was an acquaintance from church.

“That’s my brother.” And did I know… and he gave me a woman’s name. I recognized her name as well. “That is my mom.”

Then he made a curious comment. Ross said, “I wanted you to know who I am.”

Think about that one. Let it soak in. What about knowing who your family is tells me who you are? What in that association confirms your identity?

I think Ross was telling me, in this instance, that he is like these people in respect to their moral character and high reputation. Their public evaluation is one he gladly shares. I don’t think he would dislike my extending his connection to say that he has a certain type of personality, set of friends, or way of conducting himself in business or pleasure. He may even welcome my conclusion that his faith and theirs is the same.

If you could mention a Christian brother or a seasoned saint in your congregation and then say to someone that they are your ‘family’ and that you wish to be known as one of them, would that work in expressing precisely who you are? And would the reverse work as well? When someone dropped your name, could they use it as an excellent expression of their stellar spiritual identity? Work on that thought for a while.


Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
September 23, 2009


*Name changed.