Named
In the opening pages to a story from the early 1900s, we are introduced to Freckles, the titular character of a novel by Gene Stratton Porter. Freckles is a young man on the cusp of adulthood, an orphan who has aged out of the state home. Seeking work to provide food, clothing, and a bed, the red-headed, freckled waif finds his way into a logging camp. After he requests a meeting with the employer, the camp cook bluntly declares he is unworthy based on appearance alone. In addition to looking like an exhausted vagrant, he does not have a right hand. However, the young hero of the story persists, gaining an audience with the boss, Mr. McLean.
After some discourse about his unsuitability for the job due to his physique and young age, the boy on the verge of manhood convinces the woodsman that he is suited for the job after all. Noting the transformation in demeanor that hope for his future has on the main character, the manager asks the name of his new employee. Freckles explains that he was abandoned as an infant with his tiny hand cut off and his body black from beatings. His lack of looks and absent hand prevented him from securing a permanent home over the years. Consequently, he has no other, proper, name. He then asks Mr. McLean to grant him one.
McLean’s heart is touched. With great care he decides to make the main character his very own dearly departed father’s namesake. Explaining that his patriarch was an exemplary man and that he is sure Freckles would have been proud to have shared his name, the kindly gentleman then asks, “If I give to you the name of my nearest kin and the man I loved best—will that do?”
Shedding great tears, Freckles thanks the man, stating, “That makes me feel almost as if I belonged, already”—to which comes the prompt reply, “You do.”
This tender and compassionate scene could easily be a description of anyone seeking an identity and place to belong, being bestowed with the name “Christian.” There is great worth in being identified as a child of God. 1 John 3:1 beautifully declares, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (NIV).
Just like the character of Freckles, who is given a name despite feeling unloved, unlovely, and unworthy, we have been adopted and given a name by our heavenly Father. Ephesians 1 tells us that this has always been God’s plan. How wonderful to know that our worth is not based on anything that has to do with us, and everything to do with God and his overwhelming love for us.
Hillsong Worship sings about this truth in the song “Who You Say I Am.” The second chorus and part of the bridge include these lyrics:[1]
Who the Son sets free, oh, is free indeed
I’m a child of God, yes I am
In my Father’s house there’s a place for me
I’m a child of God, yes I am
I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
God says that we are his children. Like Freckles in the story, we are no longer orphans or nameless. We do belong. If you are one of his children, God has given you his name.