Names are very important. We might not realize it, but they are more than just ways to identify a person. They are closely bound up with a person's identity and some research suggests that a child's name is even linked to their future chances of success. No one wonder many new parents spend so much time trying to settle on the right name for their bundle of joy.
But did you know names are also vitally important to God too?
Names are labels
If we go to a grocery store, we will see a lot of names displayed on the shelves. For example, ketchup A and ketchub B, cheese brand C and cheese brand D, and so on.
Brand names are so powerful that they will often make us conjure up images and feelings the moment we hear or see them. One brand will make us think of good quality and reliability, while another brand name can immediately make us feel the opposite. Brand names are so powerful, we can see an advert for a famous food brand and immediately want to eat that food!
In the same way, the names given to people can influence the way we think or feel about them. Among Bible figures, the name Paul evokes thoughts of a strong and fierce missionary, Peter brings to mind someone who was fearless and curious, and David brings to mind a humble but brave shepherd boy.
Aside from these associations, the names themselves have meanings in their original language. For example, Peter's name actually meant "rock" while Barnabas meant "son of encouragement."
Names and what they say about a person
Knowing that names carry meanings and can carry mental associations, it's important we avoid using ungodly words as names. And it's important we live in such a way that our own name makes people think of good things. Proverbs 22:1 tells us,
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold."
This verse goes beyond reputation. It also means being careful with the identity we choose to live up to.
God knew how important this is and that is why He chose to give people new names in their life of faith. His choices were not random but loaded with meaning and significance. Think about these men and women in the Bible:
1) Abraham
Formerly named Abram, God changed his name and called him Abraham as a sign of His promise to him. From being named "exalted father," God made him the "father of many nations" (see Genesis 17:5).
2) Sarah
Abraham's wife, Sarah, had a name change as well. From Sarai, which in Hebrew means "argumentative" and Biblically meant "princess," God named her Sarah which meant "happy" and Biblically is implied the "mother of nations" (see Genesis 17:15-16)
Sarah, beautiful as she was, remained barren and childless. When God said she'd have a child, she argued within herself and did not believe it (see Genesis 18:9-14). Still, God was faithful and allowed her to bear a son, Isaac.
3) Jacob
Jacob is probably the most famous among those who had their names changed by God. The change in his name signaled a complete turnaround for him, a perfect change in his identity.
God changed Jacob -- which meant "supplanter" or "deceiver" -- and named him Israel, because "you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed." His name was to remind him of his covenant with God.
Careful with names
Friends, we must remember that a name goes beyond identifying a person. It becomes a label that will be associated with and even define a person.
God Himself has many names that reveal His identity and all of these these names tell us who our God is. If He is careful with names, we should be, too.
