Devotionals for the Heart: Knowing your identity as one of God's children

What’s in a Name?
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 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 2:17 (NASB)

When I was a little girl, I decided that I didn’t like the first name that my parents gave me.

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 these 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 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 youngest in 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, and who you are in comparison to those 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 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 sum 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, sisters, and more. He bestows on us these essential truths: We belong to Jesus Christ, and our job is to spread the Good News of the Gospel. This is what’s in a name when you follow Jesus Christ.

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. My earthly parents have passed away, but my Heavenly Father (God) is with me every minute, every moment today and forever. I am His, and He is mine. There is no need to wonder who I am.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we are thankful for your faithfulness to us. Through prayer, help us to find our worth in You. Communication with You is essential to our existence. Open our hearts and hands to receive the gifts You want to give us. Equip us to spread the Good News of the Gospel. Thanks be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/