How will Jesus Call My Name?

In C.H. Spurgeon’s July 15^th evening devotion, he made an interesting point about Easter morning: Jesus got Mary Magdalene’s attention using only one word, her name. Immediately she knew it was He.

I wondered for the first time how Jesus would call my name. I am a mixture of six nationalities and was born in America. Would it be in Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, Italian, French, Portuguese, German, Polish, Spanish or American?
   
Source:
Spurgeon, C.H. (1994). Morning & Evening: Daily Readings. Scotland, UK: Christian Focus Publications

Psychology Behavior Modification vs Christian Values

On this morning’s train ride into DC, I was contemplating some issues with a couple of co-workers, both of whom are Christians. One is even a part-time minister.

As a Christian, I am tasked with turning the other cheek, loving them anyway, and praying for them. As someone with an undergraduate degree in psychology, I am also equipped with several research-based behavioral modification techniques. Behavior modification seeks to “replace unacceptable responses with acceptable ones.”¹

How do the two practices overlap? Psychology’s version of Christianity’s “turning the other cheek” is to ignore bad behaviors - and reward good behaviors. In my life experiences “ignoring” bad behavior does not always make it go away. What's my next step if they don't? Should I switch from the "ignore"/"turn the other cheeck" to one of the other behavior modification techniques? Or should I stay the course?

Sources:

1. CliffsNotes.com. Behavior Modification. 14 Jul 2011. <http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/topicArticleId-25438,articleId-25349.html>

I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord (Psalm 77:11)

Writer Susan Foster challenges readers to "Write down ten things for which you are grateful." Give it a try.

She closes in prayer: "God of yesterday, today and tomorrow, let me relive past moments of miracles so that I might praise you today. Amen."

These Days: Daily Devotions for Living by Faith, Vol 40 (2), June 23.