A New Name

Is there anything in a name?

Ask “Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii .”  That was the name given to this little girl in New Zealand by her parents.  The now 9-year-old girl has been so embarrassed at the name that she kept it from even her closest of friends.  She asked to be called “K” instead.

But she won’t have to wear that name anymore.....

A family court judge in New Zealand , Judge Rob Murfitt, made the 9-year-old girl a ward of the court so that her name could be changed.  In his ruling the judge stated, "The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment which this child's parents have shown in choosing this name.  It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily."

Sin causes each of US to have a BAD NAME.  Unlike “K,” we have no one to blame but ourselves.  It is because of our wrong choices that we incur the names “sinner,” “transgressor,” “offender,” and “condemned.”  Sin ruins our reputations, disgraces us, separates us from God, and condemns us (Proverbs 14:34; Isaiah 59:1-2; Rom 6:23).

Yet, because of His great love for us, God wants to give us a NEW NAME: “Christian.”  This new name does not mean that we are SINLESS, but it does indicate we are FORGIVEN.  When we are given the name “Christian,” it reveals that our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ who died on the cross so that we might have the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:7).

We are given this NEW NAME when we: believe in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31),turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38).

The name “Christian” is a name which is to be worn honorably (1 Peter 4:16), for wearing the name brings the responsibility to live a life that reflects Christ.

Instead of “sinner,” we can be called “saved” because of Christ!  He WILL change YOUR name if you will submit your life to Him.

Won’t you?

 -- David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

“Judge: Girl's name, Talula Does The Hula, won't do.” Associated Press, 7/24/08

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