“What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.”
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
🤔
So, what is in a name?
Many events in history have been shaped by leaders taking specific actions in the name of something, someone, or even God.
First, why invoke God’s name in vain? Why would the Lord ever want us to fight each other, especially if the conflict harms the children of the Lord?
Second, do we truly understand what is in the hearts of people at first glance? Even after some time, will an individual's true colors be fully revealed?
What are words without actions that demonstrate a person's true character-particularly when deception is involved?
What is in a name-of a person, label, or title?
Let’s look beyond the name to its meaning, purpose, and character.
For example, what is a Christian?
As the name suggests, a Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ to live a life that honors the Lord by embodying and exemplifying Christ's teachings, and bringing forth the Kingdom of the Lord on earth - in love and peace - with the Holy Spirit.
What is the character of a Christian?
Because the Holy Spirit dwells within us and our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, the character of a Christian is filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23):
Love and Peace
Gentleness (meekness)
Joy
Patience (forbearance) and Kindness (compassion)
Goodness and Faithfulness (trustworthiness)
Self-control (discipline)
Against such things, there is no law, meaning these attributes are of the Lord in spirit and are not confined by those of Caesar in the mundane.
✝️
The core foundation of the Christian character is built upon the main commandments of the Lord, which are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27; 2 Kings 23:25), and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31).
Upon these main two commandments are the principles of peace and love, in the calmness, enlightenment, and holiness of the Holy Spirit; hope, as foretold by the prophets and brought to light by Christ-of the Lord's promise of redemption, deliverance, and salvation; faith in the Lord's promise and sovereignty; humility in submission to the Lord's will in the openness to learn from others, acceptance of our human vulnerabilities and imperfections (since we are only human and mistakes happen) and receiving guidance, grace, and the processes of salvation not hindered by our own understanding, desires, or ignorance; and obedience to the Lord, of the Lord's commandments, spiritual laws, and covenants.
The expectation for a Christian is to walk in all the ways of Christ, embody Christ (be Christ-like), and manifest Jesus's teachings into the reality of everyday life.
The ability for embodiment depends upon our commitment, dedication, understanding, and capacity for love and peace in the face of the trials and tribulations of life, and our faith and grace in the Lord despite the sins of man.
So, what's in a name?
Are you able to see beyond a name?
Or do you take things at face value?
Are you blinded by labels, desires, and sins?
What is in a name is more complex and nuanced than imagined for it is limited by your understanding, imagination, capacity to learn, how deep your connection is to the Holy Spirit, and your humbleness which allows you repent when necessary and receive grace to follow the instructions of the Lord.
Next time, take time, and look beyond the name and see a person or situation for who or what they truly are.
🕊
