Name it Well or Lose Out
July 12th, 2007 | Michael Q. Pink
Continuing with our theme of emulating God’s ways, we find in Psalms 147 that God not only numbers the stars (no small thing), but He also names them. Do you think He names them randomly? I don’t. Names matter to God. They are not incidental or accidental to Him. If He takes the time to name the stars, there must be some reason for that. I believe the name He chooses reflects some of the purpose of that star, yet to be understood or appreciated.
If you and I are going to name something, we need to discern both the nature of the thing and the purpose it was created for. That requires intentionality, caring and stewardship. When you name it, you own it. When you name it, you give it meaning and purpose. Ask God to show you its full purpose, so you can name it well. Choosing the wrong name can cause it to fall short of its intended glory - to miss out on its potential. There have been many great products misnamed and they were surpassed in the marketplace by products better named, even if they were inferior.
What is your service policy named? How about your latest product? What is under your jurisdiction that you either haven’t named or the current name doesn’t do it justice? Prayerfully name everything you are in charge of or someone else will do it for you and call it theirs!
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July 12th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Generally, I am gifted with thinking up good names for people, places, things, and animals. When you name it yourself–its easier to remember as well. That may be why a lot of people give other people nicknames. My biggest challenge though has been creating the “right” name for my business. I discovered the hard way that in business, the shorter the better, especially if you are inclined to place classified ads. Location is important, too.
Trying to find a name that has not already been taken and used as a URL as well using Mississipppi (MS) or Coast has been challenging. I like short action words, too. Many of those are already taken in Real Estate.
Thankfully, I realized that the LLC name, the Slogan, and the TradeMark can also be defining, creative areas. I recently turned in MGC Realty, LLC.
Its not very creative, but it is short, location descriptive, intent and action descriptive. It also carries my first initials. If this name is turned down I will try to be more creative and maybe formally place God in some way in the name. (MG could stand for My God).
I appreciate your blog, Michael. I try to read at the beginning of my day before exercise. I appreciate the responses and those who comment on your blogs as well, because they always give more food for thought.
Initially, I tried to think of a name that would carry through to the future when I have other agents on my team, and the concept I have is licensed and others across the nation are using the name as well. Finally, I figured out that I was too far in the future, and that right now I should concentrate on my little spot in Mississippi.
July 12th, 2007 at 10:25 am
It is interesting how all the “yods” in Hebrew are changed to “jah” pronunciations in the Bible. YAH was and is GOD’s name, and the introduction of the hook on the yod turned it to Jah, or Jehovah. As I looked at names years ago I was impressed on the influence the Dutch “J” had on changing the NAME. YAHSHUA (Joshua), GOD is deliverer became Jesus, loosing the identity of YAH as the DELIVERER, or SALVATION. My first and continued screen name has been Karyah as HE has promised to give us HIS surname. It is interesting how offended some believers become when you want to discuss HIS name and letting go of the old Jah influence. Names are important as they indicate our origin.
My married name became Kara Harris, revealing me as the wife of Bruce Harris, formerly the daughter of Bill Stefanov, which I did not carry with me and hyphenate as many tend to do these days. The most precious name to me is Karyah, showing GOD (HIS title, not name) to be my Heavenly Father as I took HIS name. I think HE sees names as identities, and as for me and my house….I will choose HIS. I no longer try to convince others, I merely enjoy the intimacy in my own worship! As for me? I will take HIS surname with me! See Isa 45:4.
Thanks Michael, for ALL your insight. Your devotionals are appreciated in my email box!
July 12th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
The name “thing!”…
I just dealt with an issue yesterday where a woman (professed to be business) called me by another name. She referred to me as Jill several times in an email when when my name was plainly stated as “Jan” in the email. Do you know how unimpressed I was with this woman’s acumen as a leader in business - not very & I conveyed that to her. I’m sorry, but when people are trying to take you hostage in an issue regarding upline/downline in an MLM & they can’t even get your name correct - tells me alot about that person for sure.
Here is what I received from God about that:
Separated
Date: 7/12/2007
As transition takes place there is also realignment for the sake of future purpose. Specific assignments have been given and now timing and equipping have met at the crossroads. Other choices too are intersecting here, yet the choice we must make remains clear. We were born for this!
Old demons are out in the open now. So much has been revealed we could wonder how we functioned at all – back there! Voices of deception speaking as various imposters – all rooted in self-preservation, one-up-man-ship and convenience in its many forms – have proven to be just that, deceptive. Our hearts are clear of that confusion now; we understand where the battle lay all along. The Lord did not intend for His people to be double-minded or to change their minds mid-stream, therefore, the champions are the steady ones, out in front, leading he way.
We have been separated again—separated from what was and the crowd around us, and separated unto His present thrust. Having heard and seen clearly, and being fully persuaded, we are unwilling to back down. For this is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look, and as for the ancient paths, as where the good way is, and walk in it . . . I appointed watchman over you and said, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet! . .’” Jeremiah 6:16-17, NIV
Amen.
http://www.acleartrumpet.org/content.asp?catID=10970
Thank you for letting me vent on the importance of a name…
July 17th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Unlike Suzi in earlier comment - I struggle with naming ANYTHING! I have always known the importance of “the name” of anything. When I had my kids 23 and almost 26 years ago - it took me the full week of my hospital stay with each child - to give them their names. I had many names picked out before birth - but once they each were here those names didn’t seem to fit them. I agonized over what name would fit; would they like their names; would they be teased because of their names - would I be able to find cool products with their name on it?? Maybe it was just the hormones at the time - but I really struggled with finalizing that decision to give them a name they would be stuck with for life.
Now I find myself with the struggle of a different name. I at 46 years old am about to embark on a huge adventure. I am creating a Christian - I should say - a Faith Based, Family Oriented Newspaper in my community. I had no trouble naming my corporation - if it is available once I apply for it - His Will Media, Inc. My struggle is naming the newspaper itself. I come up with some - and then decide against them. I am relying on God to lead me to that perfect name that as Michael’s blog revealed - will let people know exactly what it stands for - what they can expect if/when they choose to pick it up to read. I realize that I must come up with the ONE name from the beginning - because it confuses and discourages people for a newspaper to change names.
This blog came at a great time for me, assuring me that I have not been wrong to take my time in naming the paper. Several people have tried to rush me to just name it already - so I was feeling perhaps I was being a bit lax in my responsibily to this paper that I want to glorify the Lord. Thank you Michael for the work you do.
God Bless,
Kelly McCullough
July 18th, 2007 at 7:24 am
Kelly–Wow, We were born for this, and the rest of that comment, has changed my perspective this morning, thank you for sharing. Sue
July 18th, 2007 at 7:29 am
boy did I mess that up, Jill,—I know its Jan–I posted after Kelly, and that name stuck, please forgive me. sue
July 18th, 2007 at 8:21 am
You are forgiven - at least you apologized & recognized your error & that tells me a lot about you. I have begun to notice that people reveal themselves with their mouths/speech & actions even though they don’t intend too - great discernment from the Lord uh!!!
jan
July 18th, 2007 at 8:23 am
BTW: Sue, I’m glad that the article I shared ministered to you & gave you new perspective - that is what God is about for sure.
jan