I think most of us at some point have compared one brand of a product to another brand name.  Maybe it was cosmetics or clothing. Perhaps you were looking to purchase a new handbag, a watch, or some perfume. It doesn’t take a person long to realize name brand products come with a higher price tag. A higher level of commitment from our wallets if we are to go with the brand named product.  

We often find that other companies offer imitations of the products we the consumers are looking to purchase.  According to Collins Dictionary of Business this is called a market positioning strategy- companies and manufacturers introduce a product which emulates or copies a product already on the market.  In other words, there is a level of competiveness among companies.

I once purchased a bottle of perfume that was a company’s imitation of a designer perfume. The label included the words “our version.”  While it had a different name, to me the smell was the same. It only cost less.

One day while shopping, a lady standing nearby turned and made a comment about my perfume. She even was able to name the fragrance. I thanked her but didn’t feel it was necessary to point out that what she smelled was an imitation of the brand name she thought her nose had detected. Would that detail have made a difference in the long run?

We can buy cheaper versions of products, use generic medications, and wear clothes missing fashion names without anyone really needing to know the particular name or brand we choose. Do those kind of details make a difference in the long run?

But there is a name that matters. Whose name is the detail that makes a difference in the long run.  It’s not a name on any earthly product but it’s a name written on hearts. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to The Father except through me.”

God, The Father is looking for the name.

He is looking for the original.

No other version will do.

No imitations accepted.

“Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 

There is a cost in pursuing the name of Jesus.  A higher level of commintment is required.  In the world there are many voices calling. So many things distracting us and competing for our attention and devotion. 

Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34.  I don’t know about you, but some days it’s just out right hard “to come after” when my get up and come has left.  And those days when my flesh screams “Me! Me!” are not my proudest moments.  

But then thankfully, Jesus sends me a reminder that choosing His name makes a difference in the long run. It will be worth it in the end. 

And they shall see his face and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no light there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God shall giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:4-5

Just a reminder my friends,       

Jesus, the name that makes a diffence in the long run.                                                                                                      

It will be worth it in the end.