Changing Names

It seems to be the fashion nowadays to change names. I have seen this with churches. Perhaps some leaders feel that the old name no longer reflects the current position of the church. Some churches feel that their denominational tag hinders their outreach, so they choose a different, cooler name. I have seen banks, hospitals, and care centers in our area change their name regularly. They may be trying to downplay some past difficulties or attract new customers. Actors and singers often adopt a stage name. I’m sure name changing will continue to be a thing.

We who belong to Christ have a new name. We can be thankful that when we trust Christ as our Savior God changes our name from sinner to saint, from being without Christ to being in Christ. We are no longer a child of Satan but a child of God. This name change is not just a label or tag that can be removed or changed again. It is a change of heart that affects every aspect of our lives. 2 Cor. 5:17 tells us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”.

I remember in the movie “Toy Story” that Woody the cowboy lifts his foot and reveals that on the bottom of his boot is inscribed the name of his owner, Andy. This reminds me of a verse from the book of Revelation that describes believers in heaven. Jesus is addressing the church in Philadelphia and tells them: “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name” (Rev. 3:12). This verse describes God writing upon us His new name. It tells us that we belong to Him, and we are secure in Him.

How about you? Are you ready for a name change?