What’s in a Name?

"To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it."  Revelation 2:17b NASB

When I was a little girl, I decided I didn’t like my name. My friends had popular names like Debby, Kathy, Cindy, and Susy, but mine differed. I wanted a better name, and with the infinite wisdom of a four-year-old girl, I selected the best name I knew. When my dad got home from work, I told my parents, “I want to be called Cinderella.”

They tried to reason with me but eventually gave in. When they called me from another room, I heard the lyrical sounds of Cinderella, which was music to my ears — until it wasn’t.

“Cinderella, it’s time to eat dinner.”

“It’s bath time, Cinderella.”

“What book would you like me to read tonight, Cinderella?”

This went on for about four or five days, after which I had enough of this new name shenanigans. I begged my parents to call me Colleen again. It didn’t matter that I would never find a hair clip, a bracelet, or a pencil with my name on it, which were the top four reasons for the name change request. After a few minutes of convincing them that I wanted my name back, they agreed.

As an adult, I see the humor in this childhood anecdote and the wisdom of my parents, who knew this wouldn’t last. But it does make me wonder—why are we so attached to our given names? What’s in a name?

Our name was most likely selected by our parents, and we may or may not know why it was chosen. It could be a family name, a name whose meaning is special to them, the name of a historical figure, or a favorite character from a book or a movie.

Sometimes, our names are attached to our place in the family—Morgan is the baby of our family. Other times, our names are attached to our talents or interests—Ethan is the musician in our family. Your name, interests, and character traits identify you but uniquely identify who you are in your family. Whatever the reason our name was selected, it becomes the primary marker of our identity. When we hear our name, we respond. But what’s in a name?

As I got older, I realized that additional descriptors are used to provide identity and become part of how we’re known. We’re funny, quiet, excitable, introverted, or extroverted. We are known for these traits. As adults, we’re often identified by professions or vocations: educator, construction worker, artist, accountant, engineer, health care provider, or salesperson.

We are each a compilation of these labels, but there’s more. For those who know God, He calls us His sons and daughters. We are conquerors, servants, leaders, brothers, and sisters in Christ. He bestows on us these essential truths: We belong to Jesus, and our job is to spread the Good News of the Gospel. That is what’s in a name.

When we follow Jesus, we don’t just know who we are, but also whose we are. We don’t just know what we do, but why we do it. When you have a relationship with Christ, He calls you and equips you to reflect His promises and purpose for your life.

The Bible has multiple examples of names being changed. Some scholars believe the new names lead to better lives. Abram was changed to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, Simon became Peter, and Saul’s name was changed to Paul.

In the book of Revelation, John tells us that God will give those who are victorious a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. This new name reflects a new season and the assurance of freedom from condemnation as we live with and worship the Lord for eternity.

Although I am grateful for my earthly name, I’m curious about my new name. However, I believe I can say with certainty — it will not be Cinderella.

As for now, my earthly parents are with Jesus, but my heavenly Father is with me every minute, every moment. I am His, and He is mine. There is no need to wonder who I am.

Points to Ponder

●      Think back over your childhood and teenage years. What kind of mischief did you get into? As an adult, what God-Lessons did you learn from those experiences?

●      What are the top identifiers of your life?

●      How did you feel the presence of Jesus in your life today?