Brenda’s Blog – November 28, 2023
“What is your name? Where are you from?”
I recently attended an international gathering of 900 men and women gathered from over 100 countries to gain skills in training pastors worldwide. Most of the men pastor churches in smaller regions. Many of them plant and oversee as many as 20 churches in remote areas of Asia, Africa, and South America.
As I met them the natural response was to introduce myself by name and location then read their name tag to establish their name and home. Glancing at the name tag often challenged my linguistic skills. But each was quick to explain their names and often tell me their English transliteration. One man had a Hindu name, but changed it to Paul after the Apostle, when converting to Christianity.
Names and addresses were rich sources of information. “Tell me about your family, your ministry, your upbringing.” Wanting to know more about another draws us into conversations about the “who you are” questions.
Identity is universal, isn’t It? As we talk we describe heritage, ethnicity, vocation, and relationships – even in a brief response. Within a very few minutes two strangers can usually find common ground, especially when they both follow Jesus half a globe away.
In today’s culture identity is an emotionally charged concept. The question now becomes, “who are you?” A study done in a West Coast University found there are at least 1300 legitimate answers to that question, including the response “I identify as a Tootsie Roll Pop.” WOW!
In this plastic, fluid environment we who call ourselves believers must stand on a Biblical answer. Our identity is given to us by God the Father through Jesus Christ. We are created by God and live as His image bearers. We are men and women given work to do, management of our environment to undertake, dignity to demonstrate, and glory to give to God. Confusion doesn’t have to be our “go to condition.” We can live with clarity and strength.
What is on your name tag? Remember, child of God, you can walk in truth reflecting the love and mercy of our great triune God. Your name is child of the most high One.