What is Your Name?

I just returned from a week long vacation to Hilton Head Island. While there I read a book by Mark Buchanan entitled Spiritual Rhythm: Being with Jesus Every Season of Your Soul. I left the book with much to think about, but one particular passage I want to share with you today has to do with "your name".

I have struggled for years wanting to achieve and accomplish much. I wanted to make a name for myself. After all isn't that what we are supposed to do? My identity has been tied to what I have been able to accomplish and achieve. I have also come to find that no matter what I accomplish there is always more and it is never enough. Over the last several years God has been gently opening my eyes and heart to see myself from His perspective. I am coming to see my identity in a new way. You could say that God is giving me a new name.

Throughout Scripture we find that God will change people's names. Abram becomes Abraham; Jacob becomes Israel; Saul becomes Paul; Simon becomes Peter; and in the book of Judges Gideon becomes Jerubbaal. It is this last name change that Buchanan focuses on in his book. Gideon becomes the one who contends with Baal or Jerubbaal. He is named for God's call upon his life. Gideon is the one whom God has called to destroy the altar to Baal and to call his people back to true worship. This is who God has made and called Gideon to be. Who is God calling you to be? We all must ask this question and seek the answer.

Buchanan uses an illustration from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, not your usual suspect for spiritual illustrations, to challenge us to think about our true identity. The scene is that of the old man guarding the bridge and the questions that must be answered in order to pass over. If you answer incorrectly you are hurled into the gorge. The first question: What is your name? The second, What is your quest? The third, What is your favorite color? The first is a question of identity. The second a question of destiny. The third is a question concerning your passion.

So today I want to challenge you to join me in seeking to see ourselves in light of the Gospel. What is God calling you to be and to do? What is the mission (quest) He has placed before you. This is not your job, but rather your calling from God. Finally, what is your passion. In other words what is it that sets your heart on fire? When you answer these questions and live in light of the answers you will find great peace and joy.

John Piper has said it this way: "You are most satisfied when God is most glorified in your life."

What is your name?

Peace be with you,
Fr. Keith