Ed, my old neighbour from Saskatchewan recently received the exciting news that his tribe is increasing. Another grandchild is to be born in August, and already names are being discussed for a boy or a girl. My old neighbour was distressed the parents are considering some of the most popular baby names from last year. The girls’ names that the parents are considering are Emma, Olivia and Ava. The boys’ names are Noah, Liam, and Mason.
“Popular names for babies change like the weather, so it is best to call babies after family members. Names like Edward, Wilfred or Richard for boys and Ruby, Bertha or Mabel would reflect our family,” Ed informed me.
When I asked if he had shared those names with the parents, Ed said he did, but they had not seem eager for the familiar, family names. Ed warned them the baby could turn out like aunt Mabel or cousin Wilfred even if they called the baby Emma or Noah. Ed contends you can come up with new names for babies, but family characteristics repeat in every generation.
I cautioned Ed not to get discouraged as many babies have for their second name a grandfather’s or grandmother’s name. I also suggested Ed will love his grandchild no matter what name he or she has. Ed said it might depend on how well he or she drives a tractor or combine.
There is no denying what is popular carries considerable authority. Popularity means that which is in favour, fashion or vogue, which is accepted, esteemed, approved and acclaimed. Hockey is popular in Canada, so are cellphones, movies, french fries and skateboarding. Not all things that are popular are good for us in the moment, or the best for us in the long run. Most of us live under the authority of me, myself and I. We are self-seeking and determined to be self-reliant in our pursuit of personal happiness. Do we understand the world does not revolve around ourselves and our desires? Everything revolves around God, even if many deny him.
Many of us believe the Bible is the authoritative word of God for all time. The people who heard Jesus preach were amazed at his teachings, because he taught with authority. He acted in the authority of God when he healed people and forgave their sins. Jesus said all authority in heaven and Earth had been given to him. Jesus’ authority on Earth was to call sinners to repentance and salvation through faith in his sacrificial suffering on the cross for our sins.
The ancient gods — Eros, Dionysus, Mammon, Mars and Prometheus — are no longer worshiped in temples, but still kidnap many people. Eros, the god of sexual pleasure; Dionysus, the god of wine and self-indulgence; Mammon, the god of wealth; Mars, the god of race, land, and nation; Prometheus, the god of power and achievement are very often at the heart of our self-seeking pursuit of happiness. Fortunately, many realize these gods are abusive and empty, so faith in the true God becomes possible. The true God created our lives, and, also as our Redeemer frees us from sin, and gives the promise of eternal life. Best of all, the true God gives fulfillment and peace to our lives.
