Free Will - Our choice to make and our decision to live with!!!
(written by Nona White)
In the beginning names were like destiny, meaningful and whether good, bad or sad-- said much about ones character.
Did you know, Adam means man and Eve means to live or breathe life? Not hard for them to live up to their names, huh?? God created man and breathed life into him so they have the most fitted names in history. Down the line we have Abraham which means father of many (and that he was). Even Jabez... what a story!! This individual was only mentioned once in the bible yet his prayer (1 Chronicles 4: 9-10) has been made known to many saints and non-saints alike. His mother had so much pain and sorrow during his birth that she named him Jabez, which means born in pain. Can you imagine that? He knew what it meant yet was determined not to cause pain nor sorrow anymore in his life to anyone else, so began his plea to God and because of his determination, loyalty,and faith his name is no longer associated with pain and sorrow but fervent, humbling prayer!
As we progress through time , we enter slavery. Many of our last names came from the slave owners. Even our ancestors knew that regardless of the time or condition of living, that they wanted to give their children hope, and a name destined to produce success even in dreadful conditions. Are you getting the point yet? Fast forward to the say the 1930-1950's. Many business deals were made based on a man's word. They say sometimes "a man's word is all he has", that being said, men kept their word. If they didn't, their name would be associated with bad dealings. It could ruin their business and shame their family.
Considering our past is our future with some lesoons learned. It is our names that can travel the world more than we can ourselves. Our names add character. Hence, a partial aspect of freewill to name our offspring whatever we desire.
Like, the name Gene, means born to nobility. ( I think I am doing pretty good!) Yet, the name Jason means to heal, and sad to say that some that hold that name do it it no justice. There's a saying " it's not what they call you but what you answer to". Something to think about right?
Seriously, what's in a name? Do we stand by our names? Do we even care what colorful adjectives that others associate with our name? As we name our children or even our businesses do we predestine them to success or failure? Can you truly be proud with negative words of indescretion, adulterer, liar, racist, filthy etc... I know that I myself would rather have the positive not just for myself but my family sake as well. Like God fearing, favored, hard worker, faithful.. so on.. God has called us to be conquerors and doers of His word, so good or bad is a note to all who's side you would rather be on.
Don't get me wrong , we are who we are, none of us are perfect. But we have one chance at life; one name to carry; one God who can do it all!!!
Changing your name is not what I am suggesting to you. However, a positive, effective change for the better would be more beneficial than going down a dark and quite lonely path.
So here is the freewill kicker again. Do you choose to make a name for yourself that your family would be ever so proud of or do you make a name for yourself that signals to all " Danger,Danger!! " Do you choose to give your child a name that will be respected throughout the community, or will choose to name your child after your favorite alcohol, car, or clothing line?
FREEWILL- consequences no matter the actions.
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