Doves On Distant Oaks

What's in a Name

My first name is Eric, derived from a pagan name. It's from Old Norse meaning "ruler forever," from Eiríkr (ei meaning "ever, always" and ríkr meaning "ruler"). I'm the farthest thing from a ruler, but the only way to change my name is to go to court. On earth, that is. The Lord knows I'm a follower of His and one day He will give me a new name in Heaven.

Daniel had a name too. His was derived from the verb din, meaning to judge or govern, and 'el, meaning God. In other words, God judges—a pretty cool name. Except he had his name changed by the ruler of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel's name was changed to Belteshazzar (Chaldee meaning "Beltis protect the King"). Since Beltis was one of their gods, Daniel's pagan name was a twist on his Hebrew name.

The Bible never mentions if Daniel took exception to being renamed, even to a pagan name, but clearly it seems he didn't. However, he did take exception to what he was being fed. The king laid out a table of delicacies and wine. We're not told what those delicacies were, only that Daniel "… proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine he drank (Daniel 1:8). So, it probably included things restricted by God, such as pork.

It always seemed odd that Daniel would balk at eating the king's food, but not even blink at having his name changed to a pagan name. But upon reflection, it makes perfect sense. God never gave a commandment about what His people were to be called. Yet He was very specific about what they were to eat. To Daniel, the name change violated none of God's laws, but the food that the king provided must certainly have.

This has direct application to our own lives. We often break God's laws without giving them a second thought, and then go around ranting and raving because someone told us to take down a Christian wall decoration saying "Jesus is Lord."

God never said that every child of his had to wear a shirt saying "God Rules,"

but He did say not to drink in excess—

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18),

to not look at pornography—

Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18),

to not do anything out of envy—

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. (Proverbs 14:30),

and to not love the things of the world—

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15),

to name just a few. You may not have done these specifically, but do a little digging in the Bible and a little praying to the Holy Spirit. I'm sure you can come up with a violation or a dozen. I know I can.

In order to grow as disciples of Christ, we have to be able to separate what is expected of us by our Father in Heaven and what is expected of us by the world. It's more important that we show love for people of the world, than love for the the things of the world. Be good citizens, follow civic law, unless it violates the law of God.

So, the next time someone tells you to take down your Christian sign, calmly do so, smile, and begin to tell them the good news about Christ.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.

–- Revelation 2:17

Keywords: Citizenship, Law, Names

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