A GIVEN NAME
I Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
The child was aware of the overwhelming responsibility waiting down the road of life. It helped to know his father had suffered the same when he was a child. When he walked with his father they’d call him “little king”. Over time the name stuck and became a fond form of address. The name was a welcome badge of honor and met his father’s approval. There were many times when his father would jostle his hair and whisper a thundering “little king” that others could not hear. At such times his face would beam with the compliment. As “little king” it was not uncommon to find him knighting a dog or granting pardon to the clumsy servant who dropped his fork at dinner. It was natural for him to happily grab the hand of an opponent after a competition and raise it high to proclaim an honorable win. There was no guile in the “little king” and he was learning well the unwritten lessons of leadership.
Before he reached his teens his father unexpectedly died. His uncle, as a temporary measure, became regent until the prince reached an age to assume the throne. This arrangement brought his cousin into the castle. Unknown to the “little king” and others, the regent had devised a plan for placing his own son on the throne. Over time the uncle made the “little king” more and more isolated under the excuse of private one-on-one instruction. While the “little king” was in isolation his cousin would freely roam the castle grounds and attend functions in the stead and guise of “little king”. After a few years the growing “little king” who rightly should be king was secretly carted off to a secluded location. The switch left the cousin in line to be king without anyone the wiser. This imposter, a most rascally and unruly fellow, demanded everyone call him “little king”. It soon became a punishable offense not to refer to him as “little king”.
When they feared to be found out or had committed some new and dastardly act, they would visit their captive “little king” and ask advice. Though they persecuted him and used his title with mockery, the “little king” would offer good advice to prevent the kingdom from suffering damage and disgrace. It hurt deeply when he heard the mockery from their lips. Though it was delivered with venom and derision it was the only time he heard the phrase and it would stir fond memories of his father. He resolved not to give up or give in to his circumstance. Though they didn’t take very good care of him and he was always either dirty or hungry or both, his mind remained sharp. Some day, he prayed, he would be saved.
Some had not been fooled. They couldn’t help as one individual, but over time they’d learned of the suspicion others shared and hoped to harness a combined strength. While these gained courage the devilish duo became ever more arrogant, manipulative, and destructive. The clock was ticking and Coronation day was fast approaching. It was clear action must be taken. Although it would place lives and fortunes in jeopardy, they had to act now.
After a short civil rebellion the kingdom was set aright and the prince returned to his rightful place. The heir longed to hear the fond phrase once again, but it seemed oddly removed from every conversation. Not once had he uttered the phrase himself and he was determined never to do so. The title was only worthwhile and honorable when given by another regardless of whether favorable or mocking. He would welcome either kind of address.
Coronation day was the turning point. After the ceremony was finished he sat relaxed on the throne with scepter in hand. One of the elderly servants came forward with a refreshing drink to only stumble and spill it on the throne room floor. This was an offense the regent had not tolerated and it carried a severe penalty. The servant watched in horror as the Sergeant-at-arms hesitatingly moved in his direction. The newly crowned king suddenly understood the dilemma of the Sergeant-at-arms and the terrified reaction of the servant. Quickly stepping from the throne he motioned the Sergeant-at-arms back and knelt before the servant. The new king took the wizened face in his hand, turned it up from its shamed retreat, and quietly spoke as he had when a child, “You are pardoned, my faithful but clumsy servant.” Yet, this time, the pardon carried the authority of a crowned king.
The servant remembered a time when this former child had pardoned him for dropping a serving spoon. With tears falling freely he looked in the king’s eyes and hoarsely whispered, “As you wish, my “Little King”.” “Little King” soon became a common and welcome address in the king’s presence.
The “Little King’s” legacy and accomplishments far exceeded that of his father. He lived his life holding the memory and actions of his father in high esteem. Every decision the “little king” made was what he thought or knew his father would have done. In the end his kingdom grew and prospered as none other before or since and his title, “Little King”, for generations to follow was given in highest honor one person to another.
I Peter 4:12-19
Is Christian your given name?
Who gave it, you or someone else?
