The Name on the Jersey

I love watching the NCAA Tournament, but one of my biggest frustrations is when some teams don’t have players’ names on the back of their jerseys. Although I buy into the team mentality that is supposed to be conveyed, I’m not a fan of these “nameless” jerseys because players miss out on the full opportunity to honor their own name. Plus, as a viewer, I’d like to see the names of players instead of waiting for the announcers to say them. A guy can still be a team player with his last name on the back of the jersey.   You may disagree with me and love the tradition of this type of jersey when you see a team like Indiana wearing it, but I think either way we can agree that what a name represents truly matters. Millions of people are watching March Madness and learning the names of players based on their skill, stories of character off the floor, and their personality during interviews. Years from now these players will be brought up by name, so how will they be remembered? Will their name trigger positive memories when thinking about NCAA Tournament history? I'm guessing you and I don’t wear a jersey with our name on it anymore, but we do represent our name each day by how we live our lives. Proverbs 22:1 in the English Standard Version says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches…” The Message translation puts it this way: “A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich...” Our name and reputation matter. How we treat people and the character we exhibit truly make a big difference. When people hear our name, don't we want to be described as someone having integrity and a heart for Jesus instead of someone having a questionable reputation? We may be “jerseyless,” but each day our name represents ourselves and our family. And if we claim to love Jesus...represents Him too. Today, let's contribute to having a name worthy of being remembered. I’m Bryce Johnson and you UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for welcoming me into your family. Please help me to make Your name great, and give me the strength to keep a good reputation while pursuing integrity. Please continue to grow my character, so that people can see You shine through me. Forgive me for the times I stain my name and represent You poorly. Thank you for Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.