What we choose to be named

Naming something is an extremely important process.

In the past two decades, my wife and I have named five children, two dogs, three cats, several fish and a couple of cars.

Some of those names were much easier to choose than others.

What we are called, though, is not as important as what we choose to be called.

The Bible says we can choose to be named men and women of integrity: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1).

Possessing a good name, a name that shouts of integrity, trustworthiness, graciousness and generosity, is a name that can be built and rewards more than any wealth.

A good name takes a lifetime to build and moments to lose. Choose to build a good name.

The Bible says we can choose to be named men and women of slander.

A slander is someone who cannot wait to tell you the latest gossip so they can tell someone else the latest gossip about you.

Those who slander speak down about others to lift themselves above them.

Proverbs 10:18 says, "Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool."

Being named a slander can and should be avoided. Nothing good comes from slandering others.

The Bible says we can choose to be named a new creation.

The verse 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"

What Christianity proposes is a new name and a new beginning.

Anyone who has ever watched "House Hunters" may have thought, "That is what I need: a new place, new name and a fresh start." Christianity proposes a new name.

There was some story surrounding the name you were given at birth.

The names you choose to be called also are accompanied with a story.

Unlike the story of your birth name, your chosen name is a story you are writing yourself.

The names you choose are your autobiography.

What and how do you choose to be named?