Articles
Name-calling
When I was a child, it was common for school-yard bullies to identify differences and attach negative labels to them. And so children wearing glasses were called “four-eyes”. Those wearing braces were called “metal mouth”. Though I had neither as a child, I still endured similar taunts for my own distinctive traits. As I entered high school, the name-calling continued but it became more “sophisticated”. The smart kids were called “nerds”. Those with a propensity toward music were called “band dorks”. Those who lived in trailer parks were called “white trash”.
The purpose of the name-caller is two-fold. First, to insult the one in whom they take offense in order to demoralize and dishearten so that the name-caller might momentarily increase his own self-confidence. Secondly, to propagandize - to arouse prejudice and fear amongst hearers and bystanders that they too might be inclined toward the same biased opinion. It goes without saying that in both cases it is the name-caller who is struggling with insecurity, fear, bitterness, and the like – blind eye-surgeons forever pointing out the specks while oblivious to their own short-comings (Matt 7:3).
It should not surprise us that our Lord Jesus Christ endured the same, drawing taunts from those who rejected Him for what He stood for. The Holy Spirit identifies Him as “Wonderful Counselor” and “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). But from those who hated Him He was called a glutton and drunkard (Matt 11:19), a Samaritan who had a demon (John 8:48), and insane (John 11:20).
When used appropriately, names and labels are helpful in identifying someone or some issue. Even the bible uses labels where they are appropriate. A fool is a fool and a hypocrite is a hypocrite and a sinner is a sinner. It is even possible for a Christian to be properly identified as a Pharisee if he or she takes on these traits. But when labels become unnecessarily derogatory and intentionally ambiguous, particularly when addressing a sin or biblical issue, heat is shed rather than light, blood-bought unity is destroyed, and Satan has a field-day.
In response to His critics’ name-calling, Jesus declared in Matt 11:19 that, “wisdom is vindicated by her deeds”. In other words, the blind will always lead the blind – there is little you can do to change someone, particularly those who are bitter and choose to associate with the same. But today, Jesus is known to be the furthest thing from a glutton, drunkard, or insane because His legacy speaks for itself – rational, clear-thinking people can see this even 2000 years later.
Perhaps the lesson for us is that while we should never shy away from making a defense (1 Pet 3:15) or reproving, rebuking, and exhorting (2 Tim 4:2), it is our legacy that will ultimately define who we truly are and not someone else’s false propaganda. Jesus promises a new name to those who overcome (Rev 2:17) and that is the only name/label that matters in eternity.
