It May Not Appear on a Coke Bottle, But Its Safe in My Mouth

One of the greatest marketing ideas in the last century may be the notion of putting peoples names on the backside of a plastic bottle label. Many times, when I go to the market, I look for my name, even when I'm not thirsty. Chris is not all that hard to locate. But, there are some names that are a bit more elusive. I mean if your name is Amy or Paul, sure, but try finding Sebastian or Fatima...might need some duct tape and a sharpie. And its a pretty big deal. Everyone wants to see their name on the red label. When you don't, you can feel a little left out. Kind of like being cropped out of a group photo. Of course, you can go to a web site and personalize your own bottle, but that sort of defeats the purpose of seeing your name in a convenience store cooler in all its glory...and a name really is glorious. It's all yours and it's special.

That is why we must protect the names of those we love. Our wife or husband, our children, our parents and friends...whoever they are, they should know that when their name falls from our lips, it will be sweet and safe in our mouths. Never used for slander or gossip or ridicule. Never shamed or slammed. Our loved ones should know that their name will be spoken by us with the dignity it deserves, as if it is the only one they have...because it is...and it means something. When we speak the name of Jesus we must never do so "in vain" but treat it with the glory it deserves. Similarly, we must treat the names of others as delicate and wonderful.

So, the next time you tip a bottle of Coke to your lips and see your upside down name, let it remind you to speak other's names with as much sweetness as the taste of the beverage you are drinking. Let their name always be safe in your mouth.