We live in an age of video game mesmerization.   It’s rumored that many kids 8 and older need to be called to dinner one to three dozen times.  Try calling them to bed and if you’re lucky they’ll respond, “I’m almost done” as they keep on playing.

I’ve also heard that some husbands can get hypnotized by a football game, and if you believe my wife, Julie, she claims that I’m absolutely unconscious when I watch a good movie.  Speaking of being oblivious, how do you feel when you’re trying to do homework with your kids and they simply cannot or will not pay attention!!

Calling the spellbound person’s name louder and louder seems to be a favorite attempt to wake them up.  Some parents scream, “First Name, Middle Name, Last Name I said now. . .” Worse than all of this, some people grit their teeth, make ugly gestures or get exasperated as they say the oblivious culprit’s name with disappointment or despair.  We’ve all been guilty, and it’s time to change.

The Bible says a lot about names.  At the burning bush, Moses asked God, “What is your name?”  And God specifically says in the ten commandments, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” ^{Deuteronomy 5:11}

Why then, when we are talking to our children or someone we love, would we say their “name in vain?”  Why say their name with a tone of irritation or anger when we love them so much?

Perhaps a better solution is to take the effort of walking over, touching the oblivious one’s arm, gently looking in their face, and whispering what we need.  Have you ever noticed how everyone tries to listen when you whisper but runs away from yelling!

I want my kids name to be part of a love song.  I want my wife’s name to always be precious and filled with joy.  When they hear me calling their names, I want them to know without exception, that I love them.

Your name is the first part of God’s love song to you.  Let’s sing those love songs to others.