“‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19–20
How would you feel if someone used your last name as a swear word? That’s your family’s name! It’s very dear to you!
Our name is a symbol of who we are. It is precious to us. One of the reasons why the name of God is precious to us is because, in a way, it is ours as well. Just like a woman receives a new last name and identity when she marries a man, we too receive a new name and identity when we enter into a covenant relationship with God.
When someone is baptized soon after becoming a Christian, we hear these words: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The name of God is now our name. We are his and he is ours. That’s why the name of God is precious to us and shouldn’t be used in a way that does not honor it.
Pray
Father, thank you that you have given us a new name. We find our security in you and the fact that you have adopted us into your family. May you continue to remind us of our new name and identity. Draw others to our family from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Use us! May our family continue to expand, and may we feel the joy of our name being spread to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Ten Commandments Study Guide.
