In the early 1920's, Germany was in a difficult situation where they were required to pay reparations to the victorious nations from World War I although they had a weak economy. To make the required payments, they printed a large amount of money. The high supply of money in the market caused it to lose value very quickly. This hyperinflation reached its worst in November of 1923. The approximate value of 1 US dollar in German Marks was 4,200,000,000,000. (http://www.sammler.com/coins/inflation.htm)
The effects of high supply are easy to see when hyperinflation sets in. The more of something there is, the less valuable it becomes. While being rare may not necessarily mean valuable, being common practically guarantees low worth.
The same is true of words. Words that are frequently used do not stand out as being important. I recall a person that frequently used the word "special" to describe people in a positive way. They were a positive person, and so they called almost everyone "special." Some time later I viewed the Disney/Pixar movie "The Incredibles" where the main antagonist Syndrome stated "Oh, I'm real. Real enough to defeat you! And I did it without your precious gifts, your oh-so-special powers. I'll give them heroics. I'll give them the most spectacular heroics the world has ever seen! And when I'm old and I've had my fun, I'll sell my inventions so that everyone can have powers. Everyone can be super! And when every one's super... no one will be." (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317705/quotes)
This is even true in religious contexts. The Apostle Paul refers to Christ as a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:14-17). Latter-Day Saints have further insight regarding the name of the High Priesthood: "Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood." (D&C 107:2-4)
In spite of this principle's clarity in the scriptures, there is a trend among Latter-Day Saints that abuses it: the use of the term Savior.
This title is potentially an extremely powerful term. A savior is a person who "saves, rescues, delivers." (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/savior?s=t) This title is certainly appropriate for Jesus Christ, who suffered unjust and unimaginable pain voluntarily to spare the sons of men from so suffering. He single-handedly beat death when he raised himself from the dead, and he freely shares the gift of life with all people that die. He provides power that cannot be found from any other source. There is no curse, no pain, no problem that is too great for him to overcome. The term "savior" when used appropriately can imply all of this in a profound and powerful manner.
Unfortunately, the term is overused. In meetings, talks, and lessons everywhere, I frequently hear the term used. My experience is that the term is used more than "Jesus", "Christ", "Lord", or any combination of these terms (i.e. "Jesus Christ" or "the Lord Jesus Christ").
As a result, instead of the profound potential meaning of the word being invoked, the term "savior" has become a name. It has become common. It frequently loses its meaning other than being a reference to Jesus.
I believe that part of the reason that he has so many names and titles is so that he does not become common or lose value in speech or print. If it is important to refer to him in a simple manner (such as when teaching young children), why not follow the pattern laid out in the holy scriptures? Using the names "Jesus" or "Christ" (or an amalgamation of these) are frequently done in the New Testament. The tetragram referring to him can be understood in the Old Testament use of LORD, and also represents a valid simple reference to him. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetragrammaton)
I encourage the use of various names and titles to help understand his character, roles, and powers. I appreciate the use of the terms "Master", "King", and "Messiah". There is no shortage in the supply of names which are respectful and accurate. Whatever terms are used, it is important that effort is exerted to ensure Christ is not thought of in a common way. While he ought to be known and recognized by all, his value should not be diminished in writing or speech because he is the most important person that has ever or will ever live... he is our Savior.
