When I was young my friends called me by different names as we aged together. In elementary school they called me “Jimmy”, the name my sister still uses for me. As I entered junior high, my friends started calling me “James”. But in high school, they started calling me “Jim”.
The name changes were not prompted by me. Instead, as we all matured, our language changed. In Hebrew culture, names were chosen carefully. They were intended to draw attention to a person’s character.
Some cultures still use this practice today. I met a Nepali woman, who was quite embarrassed by her name and didn’t want to tell me. Her parents named her “Bichalli”, which means misfortune. Imagine living with such a name as a billboard of who you are.
When it came time to name our children we used the same idea. So we named our kids with words that meant “who is like Jehovah”, “strong Christian”, and “Jehovah is Lord”. Our hope was that their lives would reflect these praises. By the way, my name comes from Jacob of the Bible, and literally means supplanter. Yuck, I hope that I don’t live up to that title.
Names are important. We can use them to deride or praise others. We can use them to encourage or discourage people. Our names are given to us by our parents. But we can earn other names, like Most Valuable Player, President, or Chief Executive Officer.
God wants us to live in a way that brings honor to Him. To do this we have to live lives of integrity, righteousness, and high moral character. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Good character has a lasting impact, while fame or wealth quickly pass away. So live in the power of Christ to earn the name Good Man, Loving, Caring, Integrity, Deserving Honor, and Godly.
Reluctant Retiree 