Name or Nature?

Is the Coop Bank a Coop by 'Name or Nature'?

Troubles at the Coop Bank are rumbling on, as they struggle to restore some sort of order, following their failed attempt to absorb hundreds of Lloyds Bank branches.

While they are still called the Cooperative Bank, the truth is that only 30% is owned by their members, and 70% of their backers are hedge fund managers. So the question of whether they are Coop by 'Name or Nature'?

But the Coop Bank is not the only organisation that needs to be asked that question. 

Many might wonder whether some Christian Churches are Christian only in name, or whether they share the same nature as Jesus Christ. And that challenge extends to individuals too.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus issues some very stark challenges to people like us, who may use the name without showing the nature. '“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgement day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ (Matthew 7.21-23)

Facing these challenges, it is wonderful to know that by His Spirit, the character of Jesus can be reproduced in us, so that our nature increasingly reflects His. 

St. Paul encouraged his friends with this promise. 'Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.' (Romans 13.14)

So today, all of us can share both the name and nature of Jesus Christ. This will make us glorifying to God, a blessing to others and remind us that we are people in whom a humbling miracle is taking place.

Best wishes,

Richard