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Does that sound like an unusual question? Most of us would agree that a name is a word that identifies us as to who we are as a person and our standing within a family. Proverbs seems to be speaking to another issue however, when it insists:

“A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

But what is a good, esteemed name? Holding someone in high esteem is to have a high regard or respect for them and the qualities brought to mind at the mention of their name; which becomes a synonym for who they are, what they stand for, who they follow and the moral code they live by. Can names mean anything in and of themselves? Do they forecast who we will become or how we ought to be? Are they ever so descriptive as to reveal us for who we really are? Should they be something we look up to?

People didn’t always have proper names. Years ago, common folk had a title of occupation or description of what they did. (Although among themselves, they surely had an “identity.”) Baker and Cook for the kitchen help. The Millers for the family that ran the grist mill by the stream. Joiner (Joyner) and Sawyer for the woodworkers. Bowman for the Archer and vice versa; Carpenter, Taylor (Tailor), Potter, Shoemaker, Weaver, Fisher, etc. But as populations increased and became more centralized; it got complicated and confusing. When a nobleman called out for the cook, twenty people might come running; a means of telling them apart was needed. Thus, John Cook, Bob Cook, etc. Many other people were known by where they originally came from. As people moved about, sometimes from country to country, they became known by place names; French, English, German, Scot; as in Susie French, Paul German, Michael English, John Scot. A number of people were identified by physical traits. Eric the Red, Betty Wise, Jane White, John Brown. Others by whom they were descended from. Finn MacDougal (Scotts-Irish), Lywellen Ap Rhys (Welsh), Roger De Mortimre (Norman-French), John Fitz Roy (English). Finn, Lywelln, Roger and John their personal name; Mac, Ap, De and Fitz meaning of or from – the sons of Mac Dougal, Rhys, Mortimer and Roy. Over time names became more personal, still highly descriptive but “belonging” to a person. These names could be changed however, as a person grew and displayed a particular characteristic or experienced a significant event or promotion that made them distinctive. Native American Indians often followed this tradition by naming or renaming people Broken Hand, Stands Alone, One-Eye, Crooked (or Forked) Tongue, etc.; from incidents occurring to them as they grew or because of character traits they displayed as they matured.

Can a name give you a sense of value or worth you don’t already possess? Could it encourage or induce you to do or become something you’re not already? Should your name symbolize anything; you and possibly something beyond you? Are you aware of the background of your name and what it means? It might be interesting. For instance, Amy is Latin for Beloved, Sarah is Hebrew for Princess. Charlotte is French for Womanly, Heidi is German for Noble; one word descriptions of character traits either already displayed or hoped for. On the boys side: Ryan is Irish, meaning King. Brian is Gaelic – denoting strength. Tony, from the Latin Anthony or Antonio means Beyond price. Some names were actually a phrase, making a definitive statement or posing a declarative question, condensed down for the purpose of identification – such as Joshua, Hebrew for, “The Lord is salvation.” Michael, again Hebrew, for “Who is like the Lord?” Jean, Hebrew for, “The Lord is gracious.” Ronald, Old English from Reginald or Reynauld, meaning Powerful Counselor and Frederick, a German word, denoting a Peaceful Ruler.

Most titles that become a part of our identity are self-explanatory, but what does it really mean to be called a Christian? The term or title Christ or Christos comes from the Greek language and translates as Anointed; the Hebrew word denoting the same concept, translated as Messiah. Jesus Christ was thus actually Jesus the Christ; Jesus the Anointed One. The significance of this title found in the word anointed; referring to a special or holy oil being applied to people in the past that indicated their “special-ness”, to infer a calling, even a “holy”one – setting them apart, devoting and dedicating them to a high purpose, consecrating them to God. Even a king, a good king that is, realized that his power was to be used to serve his people, not that people were to be used to serve his power. Jesus himself explaining that he, “…did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many…” Matthew 20:28

The primary focus of His name is expressed in the idea of salvation, For, “Salvation is found in no one else. For there is no other name under heaven given to man by which you must be saved.” Acts 4:12 But is there further significance in His name, used now as our title of identification? As Christians, we take on the name of Christ, Anointed; little Christs – followers of THE Christ, imitators of His Way. Acts 11:26 telling us that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. (See Acts 5:41) But what a legacy we have to live up to! The standard and characteristics of this “name” we are to honor being summed up in a hymn written by Peter Scholtes, ‘They will know we are Christians by our love.’ Which in turn is based on scripture found in John’s Gospel. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

Is that what people think of when they see your face or hear someone speak of you? It might not be a part of your signature but Bob “the Christian” should be part of the essence of who you are; that which identifies you as the distinctive person you are becoming.

What’s in a name? Whatever or whoever you put into it!

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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