What's in a name?

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."

Hosea 4:6 KJV

Text:

"And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested."

1 Chronicles 4:9‭-‬10 KJV

A name is defined as any nounal word or phrase which indicates a particular person, place, class, or thing. Your name identifies you in nature, character, reputation and abilities; It has everything to do with you.

Your name imparts your life's journey and works for you. Naming of an infant is done on the 8th day after his or her birth and it is extremely important. Usually, parents give their children biblical names like Esther, Samuel, etc. or names that reflect an attribute or trait they would like their child(children) to bear. Nowadays, some people bear names like sorrow, pain, and the list goes on which have adverse effects on the individual.

Your name defines the office you are occupying and operating in. Without a name, one wouldn't have a purpose or destination and his or her origin won't be able to be traced to the roots. 

Your appellation counts and it can either affect you positively or negatively. Let's take a peek at Jabez in I Chronicles 4:9-10 who was named because gave birth to him with sorrow. His life was full of circumstances and he cried to God and His life was changed forever. Are you desperate for a name that will impact you positively?

Most of us don't recognise the depth of such things and treat them with levity thinking everything is fine and try to "manage" through the hard times calling it life. Would you derive satisfaction if you spent your life complaining? If the foundation is destroyed what can the righteous do?

What is your name and what does it mean? If your name is "Favour" and you do not understand what it means to be favoured your name won't work for you; it's like one being a prince but he does not have that knowledge and he is being treated like a slave.

Does your name align with God's plan and purpose for your life? Take a moment to reflect and ask God to give you a new name that will help your life and destiny.

Shalom.