part0011

One of the first assignments that God gave to Adam (and to humanity by proxy) was to name all the animals in the garden. Whatever Adam called them, that was their name. Likely, Adam received revelation about the nature of each animal, then named them based on the revelation he received. Accurate naming is so important because a true name speaks to the identity, essence, character, or substance of a person, place, or thing. The name of a person should be more than just a sound that is uttered; it should speak to the core of that person’s God-given identity. An accurate name will allow others to “call” to that person’s true self.

God revealed Himself through many different names throughout Scripture, and each one unveiled an aspect of His nature and character. Many of these names were connected to specific experiences that individuals had with God. Here are few examples:

These names for God are not haphazard or trivial; they are intentional, and they reveal important dimensions of God Himself. Different names were revealed to humanity at different times throughout history, indicating that our revelation of God is progressive in nature. When a new name is introduced, God is uncovering more of Himself to humanity.

Accurate naming is so important to God that He, on several occasions, named human beings (or changed their names) Himself. For instance, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah. God named Ishmael (“God hears”), and He also named Isaac (“he laughs”). When Isaac married Rebekah and they had twin boys, the parents apparently did not seek the Lord regarding the names of their children (despite all the God-given naming present in their family). Instead, they named their children based on how they physically came into the world. The first child was born with a lot of body hair, so they named him Esau (“hairy”). The second child grabbed the heel of the firstborn, so he was named Jacob (“he grasps the heel” or “he deceives”). Instead of naming the boys based on spiritual insight into their God- given identities, they named them based on earthly appearances. This was not without consequence.

Because of his parents’ lack of consciousness, Jacob limped through life with “deceiver” as his self-identity, and he became both the perpetrator and victim of several forms of deception for many years. This lifelong struggle culminated in one fateful night when Jacob wrestled with God one-on-one, demanding a blessing from Him. After seeing that Jacob refused to let Him go, God said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome” (Genesis 32:28, NIV). The name Israel means “he struggles with God and has prevailed,” and it became the name of the entire nation! (The name Israel can also be translated “prince who has power with God.”) In his powerful encounter with the Lord, Israel discovered his true identity.

In the case of Black Americans, many current surnames were initially imposed by slave owners. It was for this reason that several Black Americans decided to replace their “slave names” with an “X” to signify the unknown variable of their African surnames prior to slavery. (Malcolm X is perhaps the most prominent example of this.)

The practice of stripping people of their original names and imposing foreign names has historically been a way for oppressors to attempt to divest a people of their identity and heritage. Notably, this was done by the Babylonian Empire in the time of Daniel. Ashpenaz, the chief official in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, assigned pagan Babylonian names to Daniel and the “three Hebrew boys” (as they are often called). “The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego” (Daniel 1:7, NIV). In some cultures/ languages, the surname is placed before the personal or given name (e.g., Chinese names).

The practice of “spiritual naming” involves seeking the Lord and receiving revelation regarding an individual’s identity in Christ. Spiritual names are connected to the essence, character, and plan of God. These names answer the question, “Who am I, and what part of God am I here to reveal?” Spiritual names cannot simply be “selected” intellectually or emotionally. They must be discerned through revelation; they are an affirmation of God’s eternal purpose for an individual. Depending on what is revealed, a spiritual name could be something like Tsedeq (Hebrew for righteousness, justice), Checed (Hebrew for mercy, goodness, kindness), or Shalom (Hebrew for peace). And like God, one person may have several spiritual names that are revealed over the course of time. The more understanding someone has about their spiritual names (identities in Christ), the more self- knowledge, confidence, and power they will possess. Accurate names give people conscious and unconscious permission to release their true selves.

This practice of spiritual naming can be applied to an entire family and/or ethnic group, as well. The family or ethnic group as a collective could have a “spiritual name.” This name connects the family to the identity and character of God.

Assist your family in uncovering the origin, significance, and meaning of their family name(s), as well as their personal (given) names. It is important to understand where the family’s current names derive their original meaning. Trace the names back as far as possible, identify the languages used, and list the various meanings.

Sometimes, the exploration of name meanings will lead to a situation in which an individual or family realizes that a name does not accurately reflect their identity. In fact, some names might be antithetical or detrimental to that identity. In such cases, you may choose to explore the possibility of a legal name change.

Parents should seek inspiration from the Lord when determining the names of their children. Those names should be tied to their identity and destiny in Christ, and they should not be given randomly or haphazardly without regard to meaning or significance. As we noted earlier in Jacob’s case, an inaccurate name can lead to an inaccurate self-identity, which can in turn lead to needless struggle and confusion. By contrast, an accurate and meaningful name can bring confidence, security, and direction to a child.

Seek the Lord for revelation concerning the identities of individual family members, and practice the art of spiritual naming. If helpful, seek out apostolic and prophetic ministry gifts that may be able to assist you in this process.

The practice of spiritual naming should be applied to the family as a collective, as well. In this fashion, the family can discover a “spiritual family name.” This “umbrella” Family Name will likely be tied to the Family Vision Statement, and it will speak to the family’s identity in Christ. Like the Family Vision Statement, it must be spiritually discerned and should be broad enough to encompass all the identities of the individual family members under its canopy.

As children grow up and start families of their own, obviously families will merge, and some will take on new surnames. One might visualize this growth as branches on a tree – or perhaps vines being grafted into one another. As the families “merge” and “branch out,” there will be a mutual sharing of life and sharing of family identity (and therefore, Family Name). As new family units form, there should be an additional exploration process – both naturally and spiritually – to gain new insight into the Family Name. Just as the anointing of the priesthood in the Old Testament would involve both an inherited anointing and a fresh, personal anointing, so family identity will be “layered” by generations.