How Important is Your Name?

Teresa Poucher

Names are so important. Parents will go to great lengths to find the correct names for their children.  

 

Many names invoke certain impressions or judgments in our minds. For example, when one hears the name of “Benedict Arnold,” we immediately think of a traitor. We associate honesty with “Honest Abe.” We think of strength when we hear the name “Samson.” We associate David with being a man after God’s own heart, a worshipper, a warrior, and a man of praise.

 

Names are so important to people’s identity that when captives were taken, they often changed their names, hoping to change their identities. Such as in the case of the three Hebrew boys thrown into the furnace because they would not bow to a false god.

 

The name of Saul, meaning “desired,” was changed to Paul, meaning “humble.” Jacob’s name, meaning “supplanter,” was changed to Israel, meaning “to prevail or have power.”

 

  When a woman marries, she takes on her husband’s name.

When you are born, you take your father’s name. When we are born of the water in Jesus’ name, we take on the name of Jesus. And as we take His name in baptism, we become part of the bride of Christ taking on His name.

 

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)

 

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)

 

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

 

Can you think of a better name with which to identify?