Names are important. Have you ever looked into the meaning of your own name? Names are not only useful in helping us identify other people, they play and even more important role in helping us remember who we are. In the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Heleman explained to his sons why he gave them their names:
6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first aparents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were bgood.
7 Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them.
Like Nephi and Lehi, many of us have been named after worthy ancestors who have set great examples for us to follow. It’s important that we know that someday we will meet them, and I’m sure they will require an account of just what we did with their names. But even more important than the names of our ancestors, is the name we take upon us at Baptism. That is the name of Jesus Christ.
Once we are a Christian, we have an obligation to live like one. We will be held to account for how we have represented God’s church, and most especially His sacred name. My first name is Benjamin. I was given this name from my father to be named after my fathers best friend, Ben Whitmer. Ben died in a tragic car accident when my Dad was serving a mission. Ben had been my Dad’s champion. He was tall, athletic, and more importantly, he was a true friend to my Dad. There was a time when my Dad had been injured on the Football field during a game. It was Ben who picked up my Dad and carried him off the field.
I’m sure I’m no where near the athlete Ben Whitmer was. But I’m trying to be a good friend to others like he was. I once came across Ben Whitmers grave while doing some family history work in New Mexico. As I slowly walked up to his grave, I wondered what Ben would think of me. I know that some day I’ll meet him and I hope he will be happy to have shared a name with me.
I know that if I can stay close to the Savior, relying on His mercy and power, I will be able to do my name justice. I know that the same blessing is their for the taking for anyone who will put their trust in the Lord.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
