All over the world, people bear names that represent different things. Some names represent personalities, landmarks or events, and they're handed down from one generation to another. Many times, Christians have found themselves bearing names that contradict what they believe. Those names were handed down to them by forbears, and not many ever bothered to find out the meaning of those names to be sure they're consistent with who are today in Christ.
It's no use answering the name that contradicts what you believe about the Gospel and who you are in Christ, for it can work against you. The name you answer to is a major confession in your life. As you answer that name you're continually confessing the meaning of that name. If you study the Bible, you'll notice how God changed the name of several people. Before their names were changed, they lived the life of the name they bore. When God changed their names their destinies were also changed.
Abraham, for example, which means father of many, used to be called Abram, meaning "exalted or assumed father" (Genesis 17:5). He and his wife were without child until their names were changed to Abraham and Sarah. Isaac's son, Jacob is another example. His name meant "one who takes by the heel; deceiver". In today's rendition, that would mean, "swindler, fast guy or scammer." Of course, he grew up to answer his name; he deceived his father, cheated his brother, and remained a cheat until God met him and changed his name (Genesis 32:27-28).
To answer a name means that you agree to, confess and endorse the meaning and import of that name in your life. That's why you ought to answer only names that are consistent with God's purpose for you; names that glorify God's Word and are consistent with your identity and position as a new creation in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for giving me a new name according to your divine plan for me. I'm a success, a victor and more than a conqueror; I'm not just the effulgence of the glory of God, my name is "the glory of God"! Prosperity, divine health, joy and peace are all mine, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Rhapsody of Realities September 23, 2010
-Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
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