Suppose it became a law that we could no longer use a last name? We could only be called by our first name. We might ask, “What’s in a name?”
Sounds absurd, but that’s what happened in Mongolia. During a writing assignment in that country, I was confused when men and women were introduced by only their first names. Since many had the same name, it wasn’t easy to keep track of who was who. Someone finally explained that when Communists invaded Mongolia and Laos, they made it illegal to use surnames. The purpose was to gradually weaken family ties and cultural resistance.
The names that parents give us, as well as nicknames from friends or enemies, form part of our identity. Only God looks past the labels to our souls, seeing us for who we are and who we can be (Isaiah 43:1). Remember when one of God’s angels addressed the fearful Gideon as “Mighty Warrior?” And Jesus surprised His disciple, Simon, by announcing, “You are Peter [Cephas], and upon this rock I will build my church.”
Only the One who formed us and knows us inside out sees the person He created us to become. Our loving Lord calls each of His sheep by name. What might be His name for you? Ask Him to help you live up to that name and be all that you can be.
Deborah Meroff served as a missionary writer and photographer for thirty years. While based in London, she was privileged to visit 115 countries and publish scores of articles and a dozen books in various languages. She now resides in Maine, USA.