What will your new name be?

This is a blog entry from my lovely wife Michelle.  I wanted to share it since it was written a few years back:

I came upon a verse in Isaiah during my Bible study last week and it struck a chord with me. It's found in Isaiah 62:2

The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. (NIV)


What struck me was that I will be given a new name from God. It took my breath away.  Have you ever read a verse or a portion of a verse that just captures your attention? Well that one did for me.

My mind wandered back to an audio theater that I listened to a while back called "Affabel". Some of the characters had earthly names like Deceived, Faint Heart and Selfish.  All were attributes of their personality.  This really got me thinking about what would I be known as if my parents hadn't given me the name "Lisa Michelle". It's a sobering thought and made me thankful for my given name that I'm called by.

It made me even more thoughtful and reflective about what name I want my Lord and Savior to bestow upon me in Heaven. Names like Compassion, Forgiven, Charity, Loving, Praiser, Faithful, Finisher come to mind.  It makes me realize that my actions, thoughts, deeds, reactions, all my characteristics here on earth are going to determine the name that God gives to me.

It makes me think further about how I live my life each day.  Am I reflecting all the goodness that He has so freely given to me?  Am I showing Christ' love to others in need? Am I forgiving others with the same forgiveness He has given to me? Or, am I being petty and holding grudges against my brothers and sisters over things that aren't really going to matter in the end? Am I being His hands and feet to an unsaved person? It's alot to consider, but we are called to be salt and light to the lost and dying world.  Does that make you wake up and take notice of your life like it has me?

My biggest desire is for me to hear the Maker of Heaven & Earth to say to me,"Well done, thy good and faithful servant".

Blessings,
Michelle