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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is what’s is in a name? A name is a word or set of words by which a person or thing is known, addressed, or referred to. Jews like many races and tribes in the world have had a strong history and norm of naming children purposefully based on a number of factors. It is therefore not surprising to see several examples in Scripture of names and their meanings. One of these examples is the focus of our reflection.

A gentleman did a remarkable act of kindness in the early Church and this was how Luke the historian captured it in the Acts of the Apostles, “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:36-37). In other words, his name Barnabas which meant son of encouragement brought great encouragement to the Church of Christ when he supported the mission of God through a colossal donation. He truly lived up to what is in his name and was relevant to his time.

Before the Christian sacrament of Baptism is observed, parents sometimes in consultation with the pastor or god-parents give the baby a particular name which is believed to have a spiritual and moral impact on the child even as he or she matures in His relationship with the Lord. Among the Ewes of Ghana and Togo there are myriad of names that are linked to God and how we experience Him. Some examples are Senyo-God is Good, Dzidula-Victor, Nunya/Adanu-Wisdom and Nutifafa-Peace just to mention a few. Akans and other ethnic groups in Ghana and Africa have such nuances. The most important question is, are Christians or believers living according to what is in their names? Does our godly names impact our daily interactions with people and the quality of life we live? We sometimes hear or read in the news about Christians with Biblical names yet they are associated with bribery, corruption, sexual immorality and the like. Is now common to see young ladies with Biblical names on social media yet they have their nake pictures exhibited to the viewing pleasure of the world, they post sexually seductive videos of themselves and we have men with Biblical and godly names patronizing such immorality by liking it, posting encouraging comments and sharing them. There are men with Biblical and godly names who patronize pornography, nudity and abominable acts undeserving of a child of God on social media. The key lesson of today’s reflection is that, there is something unique about our names and identity as children of God, in addition, those who named us did so with a purpose and a godly intent, therefore, let us live up to our names and make a difference in our Church and our society. Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, strengthen me to live an impactful life for your glory, and may the value of my name be felt wherever I find myself. Amen.