For most of my Christian life, I gave God a bad name. In other words, while I called myself a “Christian” which implied I belonged to Christ and I followed many of the religious rules, in real life, I was a vain, selfish, proud, ambitious, uncaring, anxious person. This reflection was in no way a mirror of how Jesus lived. But then God, in His grace and mercy, has been wooing me by His remarkable love for about 15 years now.
I now want to make His name great everywhere I go!
The Bible tells us that when God’s name is made great by His people—even in this sin-torn world is a better place. I recently read this remarkable passage in Jeremiah:
“Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.” Jeremiah 33:9
God’s name is not made great by slogans, rituals, or outward religion—it is made great when God’s people return to Him with humble hearts. In Jeremiah’s day, Israel kept their enemies‘ forms of worship while their hearts abandoned the God they claimed to serve. Jeremiah warned for decades that fake religion dishonors God, but repentant hearts glorify Him. The Lord said He would do whatever it takes so His people would once again know His hand and His might and recognize that His name is the LORD. (Jeremiah 16:21)
God’s fame rises when the hearts of His people genuinely reflect Him.
Revival begins with humility and repentance, not performance.
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
On this earth, God’s name is tied to God’s people. When those who bear His name live contrary to His character and nature, His name is profaned; when they return to Him in truth, His name is honored among the nations. When we are born again, we don’t just believe in God—we represent Him. We are called to reflect His nature: love, holiness, justice, truth, and mercy. We are not called to live in self-righteousness, but in God’s righteousness. The Bible is clear:
“The LORD is OUR righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:6
True obedience flows from love, not fear—because God Himself is love. Scripture tells us, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8), and “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.” (1 John 4:18) When Jeremiah says God will give His people “one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever” (Jeremiah 32:39), this is not the fear of punishment or rejection, but reverent awe born out of love and trust. It is the kind of fear that comes from knowing God’s goodness, holiness, and faithfulness. Then, the greatest fear we have is to not be able to sense the very presence of God. Hearts made right with God no longer obey to avoid judgment; we obey because we love Him.
When God’s people live from love-motivated obedience, His name is made great again.
Jeremiah exposed a hard truth: God is not impressed by religious noise: “Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your hearts.” (Jeremiah 4:4) God desires inward surrender, not outward show. Through salvation, God gives us a new heart that desires to live righteously—not to earn God’s favor—but because we already have it. When we are born again, our soul is alive and enabled to fulfill the great honor Jesus gave us:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
When God’s people know they are beloved of God, they walk in God’s ways, and God’s name is lifted high.
God will ultimately make His name great again because the day is coming when every person who has ever lived will bow before Him. “[A]t the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10–11) But until that day arrives, God is giving us the privilege of making His name great now! What an honor, right? When God’s people humble themselves, seek His face, love His truth, and live from His righteousness, the world is given a preview of Who God really is.
After salvation, we must intentionally develop the mind and attitudes of Christ. This transformation happens as we lovingly submit ourselves to God’s plan—immersing ourselves in His Word, prayer, corporate worship, commitment to the local church, quiet time, thanksgiving, and humble service. As our minds are renewed and our hearts are shaped by truth, our lives begin to reflect God’s character—and His name is made great through His people.
Prayer:
Father God, we come to You acknowledging that without You we can do nothing. Thank You for giving us new life through Jesus Christ and reconciling our hearts to You by grace. Forgive us for the times we have honored You with our lips while our hearts were far from You. Humble us, Lord. Draw us back to Yourself. Shape our hearts and renew our minds through Your Word and Your Spirit. Teach us to love what You love, hate what You hate, and walk in righteousness that comes from You alone. May our lives reflect Your goodness, Your holiness, and Your love, so that Your name is made great in us, through us, and before a watching world. We ask this for Your glory and in the name of Jesus. Amen.
