Recently, I have gotten into some discussions regarding my name. I know that to some this may seem strange, but some of you will understand. As you can read at the top of this page, I show that my name is Michael Griggs. I am somewhat particular about being called by my name.
Let me interject that some do in fact call me simply by my last name as a nickname, but for most I am Michael.
The reason a discussion recently came up was because I introduced myself to someone at a company gathering and this person, not knowing me before, chose on his own to call me "Mike." Now, for some this is no big deal, but for me it was and is a big deal. Again, I know many will think this peculiar, but for some reason since I was young, I have always asked people to call me by my "given" name. As a matter of fact, I was particular when I met my wife Rebecca in asking her if I could call her by her given name.
I bring all of this history in regarding my name to actually bring up a point about God and His name.
I asked myself the question the other day that when people hear my name, "what does it make them ponder?" Similarly, I asked myself the question that when people hear the name of God, "what does it make them ponder?"
I recalled that God is particular when we use His name. Exodus 20:7 says, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (ESV) However, His name brings to mind so many awesome things! I also think that there is more to His name than just a name, but His character or attributes.
So, when I thought some more about it pertaining to my own name, I realized that there is more to my name than just a name, but my character or attributes. When I ponder on God, I think of His many names, characteristics and attributes.
So, what's in a name? Everything, it defines you, me & God. So, the next time you meet someone cherish their name and treat it as though it defines them.
Over the next few posts (which could be weeks/months), I am going to be looking at the "names" given to God.
