The movie Dances with Wolves, starring Kevin Costner, was released in 1990. It was a hugely successful film, making $184 million in U.S. box office sales and $424 million in total sales worldwide. The film was also nominated for twelve Academy Awards, winning seven. The main character, Lt. John Dunbar, earned the name “Dances with Wolves” due to a scene in which a Sioux Indian witnessed him playfully chasing a wild wolf. The wolf, having been fed by Dunbar on numerous occasions, warmed up to Dunbar, and through their interaction Dunbar earned his Indian name.

For much of history and in many cultures, people have possessed two names: the one given to them by their parents at birth and the one given to them by those who’ve observed their behavior in life. The former represents the whims of parents. The latter reflects something notable others have observed about a person’s character. The Jewish culture of Jesus’ day practiced this dual labeling, and in the case of Joseph, the Levite of Cyprus, the label was quite complementary. Possessing a propensity (tendency) to encourage other people, the apostles gave Joseph the surname, “Barnabas,” which means “son of encouragement.” In Acts 15 we see Barnabas living up to his surname. Willing to give John Mark – who had abandoned the missionary team in their previous outing – a second chance, Barnabas fought with the more stern Paul over whether or not to take him on their second journey. As Acts 15 details, their rift was so contentious that Barnabas and Paul parted ways over the matter. Yet, in the end, Barnabas’ encouragement of John Mark paid off. Paul, while awaiting his death in prison, asked Timothy to bring John Mark to him for a visit, for Mark was “very helpful to me for the ministry.” Through encouragement Barnabas led a disciple of Christ from an unprofitable path to a profitable one, and in the end the Paul that turned Mark away in Acts 15 sought comfort in his presence in 2 Timothy 4.

When people observe your character, what do they see? What name would people give you to reflect your most notable behavior trait? Take a moment to reflect on these questions and look at yourself through the eyes of others. Would you earn a name that would be pleasing to The Lord? Or, would you earn a name that would shame Him? Remember, we are to do everything we do for God’s glory, and if the name others would give you were to shame God rather than glorify Him, you need to change the way you act so that you can change the way you impact others for God’s Kingdom.