Are You Living Your Name?
I asked my dad how he came up with my name, Rexford. He told me that while working on a ship, he met a white man who treated him with such kindness that he didn’t know how to repay him. So, when I was born, he named me Rexford, which means Reigning King, in honor of that man.
Growing up, I’ve always felt that my name has shaped my life. Wherever I go, I seem to be recognized and regarded as relevant, a reflection of the name I carry.
The Power of a Name
When choosing names for our children, we often expect the name to have a profound influence on their lives. Many times, we draw inspiration from family members or mentors we hold in high esteem. In my family, one of my uncles is so revered for his humility and devotion to God that many parents, even outside our family, have named their children after him.
Some people take their search for names even further, looking to presidents, pastors, kings, or influential entrepreneurs for inspiration. In the African context, it's common for parents to name their children after their own parents. However, this tradition can lead to tension when expectations are not met, sometimes causing strained relationships, and in extreme cases, even disownment. I know of a family where this very issue led to serious conflict.
Names and Their Meanings
In the Bible, names carried significant meaning, often reflecting a person’s destiny:
- Abraham means “Father of many nations.”
- Moses means “Drawn out.”
- Jesus, a name central to Christianity, means “Yahweh saves” or “God saves.”
Names in biblical times were powerful indicators of a person’s role and purpose. A name not only provides personal identity, but it also holds emotional significance and impacts social interaction.
The Burden of Sinful Names
Before Jesus Christ came, humanity lived under the burden of sin. Sin was deeply ingrained in our identities, passed down through generations. This meant that bearing a name like Rexford implied a connection to this sinful lineage—sinful Rexford.
In those days, priests offered sacrifices—lambs, for instance—to appease God and seek forgiveness. At times, sinners faced severe consequences, such as the earth swallowing them or divine punishment, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The Redemption of Names
However, with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, everything changed. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus took away the sins of the world. Now, those of us with names like Rexford can bear them without the weight of sin. Forgiveness is available to anyone who confesses their sins and seeks redemption.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse speaks of the transformative power of being in Christ. We undergo a spiritual rebirth, shedding our old sinful selves and embracing a new identity in Christ. We are no longer bound by the chains of sin but are renewed and redeemed by God’s grace. This transformation is so profound that we are given a new name—Christian. We can now be called Christlike Rexford or Christlike Kofi.
The name Jesus wasn’t randomly chosen; it was divinely given, signifying His mission to save humanity and reconcile us with God.
Living Up to Your Name
This resonates with the Pentecostal song: “Hw3 Wabrabo so yie, ne din dawoso”, which translates to “Be mindful of your lifestyle because His name is on you.” As Christians, we are called to live a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ. When we live contrary to these principles, we undermine the credibility of our identity as Christians.
- You can’t be a Christian and live like an unbeliever.
- You can’t live under the notion that it’s “normal” to fornicate or commit adultery.
- It’s not normal to have multiple women.
- You can’t be part of those who manipulate figures, overstate invoices, or engage in corruption.
- When the boys boast about their sexual conquests, you can’t be part of it.
- You can’t be part of those who pocket office items or engage in unethical behavior.
- When the girls head out to inappropriate parties, you can’t join in.
Your name matters. It carries weight, meaning, and responsibility. So, I ask: Are you living by your name?
Rexford Moses
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Tony Francis is from the Middle East. He is grounded in the scriptures and has a licensed degree in biblical studies from MTI, the school of ministry, and a certificate in EPL (effective personal leadership) from LMI. He has authored many books and is the founder of Healed Nations Ministries (www.healednations.com). Tony mentors people in the prophetic and served as the prophetic leader of Patricia King's ministries. Tony is studying to be a mental health coach.
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Great insight 👍