Your Name - Defined From Eternity

Tim Peden
May 23
4 min read

Named by God: Finding Your True Identity in a Culture of Confusion

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”— Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

The Power of a Name

A few weeks ago, I began reading The Daniel Dilemma by Chris Hodges. The first chapter stopped me in my tracks. It spoke about how names shape identity—not just labels given by our parents, but the spiritual and cultural names that try to define who we are.

As I reflected, I thought back to times in my own life where I had allowed names like failure, not good enough, or too much to creep in and shape how I saw myself. These names, sometimes whispered by others and sometimes shouted in my own mind, shaped decisions I made, relationships I entered, and even how I viewed God. But when I came back to Scripture and truly began to believe what God says about me, everything began to change.

The Cultural Battle Over Identity

The Bible clearly shows us we are in a battle—a spiritual war over our identity. In Daniel 1, we see the Babylonian empire take young Israelites captive and immediately change their names. The goal? Strip them of their heritage, erase their connection to God, and replace it with loyalty to Babylon.

Hebrew Name	Meaning	Babylonian Name	Meaning
Daniel	God is my judge	Belteshazzar	Lady, protect the king
Hananiah	Yahweh is gracious	Shadrach	Command of Aku (Babylonian god)
Mishael	Who is like God?	Meshach	Who is like Aku?
Azariah	Yahweh has helped	Abednego	Servant of Nebo

These weren't just cosmetic changes. They were part of an intentional identity shift—from serving God to serving self, idols, and empire. The same tactic is at work today. Culture, media, and even our own internal voices try to rename us based on feelings, past failures, political ideologies, or personal preferences.

The Kingdom of Self vs. The Kingdom of God

We live between two opposing kingdoms:

The Kingdom of Self

We define what is right and wrong.
Our worth is measured by performance, appearance, or status.
Everything revolves around our needs and desires.
It’s a lonely kingdom of one—always thirsty, never satisfied.

The Kingdom of God

God is King, and we are His beloved children.
Our identity is anchored in truth, not trends.
We live with purpose, rooted in grace and guided by truth.
It’s a kingdom of peace, joy, and spiritual growth.

Colossians 1:13 reminds us that we’ve been rescued from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Jesus. That means we don’t need to live under false names, cultural pressure, or internal insecurity anymore.

The Name God Gives You

God has a name for you—one that reflects your true identity. He doesn’t label you by your worst mistake or your biggest weakness. He names you based on your purpose and His love.

You are Chosen (1 Peter 2:9).
You are Loved (Romans 5:8).
You are Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).
You are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
You are More than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).
You are an heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).

When we believe these truths, they begin to reshape how we see ourselves, how we make decisions, and how we live our lives.

How Do We Live This Out Daily?

1. Start with Scripture

Begin each day by reminding yourself who God says you are. Write out key verses. Say them aloud. Let truth shape your thoughts.

2. Reject False Labels

When lies surface—"I'm a failure," "I'm not enough," or "I'll never change"—recognise them as counterfeit names. Replace them with God's truth.

3. Stay Connected to God’s Voice

Through prayer, worship, and community, keep tuning your ear to the One who created you. The more you hear His voice, the easier it is to reject the noise.

4. Let Go of Performance-Based Identity

Your identity is not earned. It’s received. You don’t have to hustle for worth—you already have it in Christ.

5. Encourage Others in Their True Identity

Be a voice of truth in someone else's life. Remind them who God says they are when they forget.

Reflection Questions

What names or labels have I been living under that don’t reflect God’s truth?
In what ways have I allowed culture or others to shape my identity?
How can I root my daily life more deeply in what God says about me?
What spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture, community) help me stay grounded in truth?
How can I help someone else rediscover their God-given identity?

Scriptures to Reflect On

Jeremiah 1:5 – God knew and named you before birth.
Colossians 1:13–14 – Rescued from darkness into Christ’s kingdom.
Romans 8:17 – Heirs with Christ.
Proverbs 23:7 – As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
1 Samuel 16:7 – God looks at the heart.
Ephesians 2:10 – Created for good works.

Final Word: Let God Name You

The world will keep trying to rename you, reshape you, and reassign your identity. But you don’t have to accept those labels. Let God’s truth be louder than the culture’s lies.

You are more than your past. You are more than your feelings. You are more than the name others gave you. You are who God says you are.

So today, choose to live under the name He gave you—because His name for you leads to freedom, purpose, and joy.