"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," wrote Shakespeare. But is it really true that names are unimportant?

God is in the naming business, and so is the devil. Whoever names, rules. In fact, God gave man dominion over the Earth and let the first man name all the animals. Are you ruling the domain God gave you by calling good and evil by their correct names, or have you delegated that responsibility to media executives, psychologists and social planners?

"When I get to heaven and have a new name, I think it might be 'Simon Peter' because that is the disciple I am most like," says Marshall, age unknown. "He was always opening his big mouth before he thought. I do that all the time."

If that's the case, the name "Simon Peter" in heaven will be as popular as Jones or Smith in America. Yes, the Bible contains many instances of Peter's speaking and acting rashly. At other times, he hit the bull's eye, as in his insightful statement to Jesus: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). The Lord responded he would build his church upon this rock (Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ).

"Angel" is one of the most popular names nominated for heaven. Ross, 7, says he wants to be God's "helper and messenger." Ross probably knows the word "angel" means messenger. Hannah Beth, 9, says she wants to be called "Angel" because that's her daddy's name for her. Finally, Erica, 8, wants to be called "Angel Voice" because she likes to sing Jesus' praises.

Hannah Beth's comment about her dad calling her "Angel" demonstrates the tremendous power parents possess in influencing their children.

With a name like "Angel,” she probably does her best to live up to her dad's expectations.

With the power to name comes great responsibility. Centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah wrote, "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20a).

I would hate to stand in the shoes of Hollywood trendsetters when they give an account to God for influencing millions of people to call evil good and vice versa. But, Christians should do more than point out what's wrong in society. We should take the lead by speaking the truth in love over any domain in which we have authority or influence.

"In Isaiah 62:2, it says, 'You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name,'" says Andrew, age unknown. "A saved person is called a Christian. In heaven, I might be called 'Child of God.'"

The ultimate renaming occurs at the moment when people trust the Lord Jesus as their only savior. With a spiritual birth comes a new name — Christian.

Stop wondering if you might be called a child of God, and start celebrating. All who believe in Christ are children of God now.

Think about this: God has called all believers in Christ his children, saints, priests and ambassadors for Christ. Meditate on what these names should mean in the way you live your life.

Memorize this truth: "But as many as received Him (Christ), to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).

Ask this question: Which names are you going to accept to define who you are and your mission in life?

Win a dude ranch vacation by entering the Children's International Arts Festival, download the "Kids Color Me Bible" for free, watch Kid TV Interviews and the "Mission Explorers Video Series," and listen to a talking book at www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org. To find out more about Carey Kinsolving and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CAREY KINSOLVING

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.