What’s In a Name?

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17 CSB)

So, what is in a name? We use nouns to “name” things, that is, to give them identity, and we give people names for the same basic reason. Names help us to distinguish and identify people, and sometimes names are given to describe a hope that parents have for their child. The angel told Joseph, for example, that Mary’s child was to be named “Jesus,” and that He would save His people. His name means “salvation.”

The idea of name, however, goes beyond the idea of just identity and hope, at least in biblical terms. A person’s name referred to his or her character. To take some action in another person’s name meant not only to represent the other person, but to take that action in the same character of the other person, that is, just as the other person might do it.

Paul says that every word we speak and every action we take should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. We are to take these actions in the character of Jesus, or as Jesus Himself would do, so as to bring glory to God.

This verse is thus a call to excellence. It is not a call to perfection, for that is something we cannot be, much less carry out. But most certainly, this verse calls us both to speak and to act with excellence in everything we say and do. Excellence is the target. We are to give our best to and for Jesus. He is our Lord, and He deserves our very best.

Lord, May we each day do and speak with excellence in Your name, for Your honor and glory. Amen.