What’s Your Name?

<p>Someone said we go through life with three names: the name our parents gave us, the name others give us (reputation), and the name we give ourselves (character). The name others give us matters, as &ldquo;a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold&rdquo; (Proverbs 22:1). But reputation can be wrong. Character matters more.</p> <p>There&rsquo;s yet another name that matters most. Jesus told the Christians in Pergamum that though their reputation had suffered some well-deserved hits, He had a new name reserved in heaven for those who fight back and conquer temptation. &ldquo;To the one who is victorious, I will give . . . a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it&rdquo; (v. 17).</p> <p>We aren&rsquo;t sure why Jesus promised a white stone. Is it an award for winning? A token for admission to the Messianic banquet? Perhaps it&rsquo;s similar to what jurors once used to vote for acquittal. We simply don&rsquo;t know. Whatever it is, God promises our new name will wipe away our shame (see Isaiah 62:1&ndash;5).</p> <p>Our reputation may be tattered and our character may be seemingly beyond repair. But neither name ultimately defines us. It&rsquo;s not what others call you, nor even what you call yourself that matters. You are who Jesus says you are. Live into your new name.</p>