In the last few blogs we have been exploring what is in a name. Our family name can give us a glimpse of who our ancestors were. For example, in Irish names an “o” or “mac” indicates one is the son, grandson, or descendant of a certain family such as O’Brian or MacDonald. A family name can tell what your family’s occupation might have been such as Miller, Cooper, Smith or Shoemaker. Today, names do not have much significance other than designating one person from another.
This was not the case in Biblical times. In fact the word name in the Old Testament actually stands for “a mark or a brand.” In other words the name would reflect who a person was. For example, Adam means “man.” Eve means “mother of all living.” Esau means “hairy” because he was hairy when he was born. Jacob means “heel catcher” because he was Esau’s twin, but Esau was born first.
When certain people developed a relationship with God, God changed their names to reflect that. We discussed in a previous blog that Abram became Abraham which means “father of a multitude.” Jacob was changed to Israel which means “prince with God” because God was going to use his lineage. Simon became Peter which means “rock” because Jesus was going to use him to build the church upon.
In a way that’s what happens to us when we recognize we are saved by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ and develop a relationship with him. We are given a spiritual family name. We are called “Christians.” The name “Christian” was first given to the disciples in Antioch. (Acts 11:26) Have you ever wondered why? Did the disciples meet together and vote on what they should be called? Did the marketing team do a demographic study then send out a memo stating that hence forth and forever more we shall be called Christians? I don’t think so.
These disciples were called Christians because they were defined by their actions. They were followers of Jesus Christ. Not only did they talk about Jesus, but they met together and were taught the scriptures. (Acts 11:20; Acts 11:26) Those who believed on Christ probably made certain positive changes in their lives. Others noticed this and gave them the name. It was the unbelievers who saw something different and special about this group of people and called them Christians.
I think today we have cheapened the definition of Christian a bit. Society loosely defines people as Christians just because they attend church on Easter and Christmas. Webster’s defines a Christian as one who believes in Christ. On the surface this gives the impression one just needs to believe Christ existed. True Christians know better. Those who truly believe in Christ do much more than attend church twice a year. They realize they have been saved by Christ. They stand for the same principles Christ preached about. They sometimes suffer for righteousness’s sake. They serve a living Christ. They love God and their neighbors. They hunger after God’s word. The list goes on and on.
What about us? Do we embrace Christ’s teachings? Do we honor him with our lives? Do others identify us with Christ? Not because we are preaching and cramming Christ down their throats, but by how we live our lives. They should. After all, it is our family name.
