A Good Name and a Faithful Heart: Staying True to God in a Changing World

At a wedding, it’s common for the woman to publicly take on the name of her husband. In a matter of seconds, "Miss Jones" may become "Mrs. Smith." The bride then has to complete the proper paperwork to make the name change legal. However, if the marriage doesn’t work out and ends in divorce, that name may be reversed again.

In Scripture, we find the story of a young man whose name was changed from Daniel to Belteshazzar. While most of us don’t feel connected to the name Belteshazzar, we certainly recognize the name Daniel. What stands out in Daniel’s story is not the change of his name—but the unwavering faith behind it.

Even though Daniel was taken from his home in Jerusalem and given a new name in a foreign land, he never compromised his character, morals, or faith. He remained loyal to the God he learned to serve as a young man. In contrast, many today change their values, beliefs, and even identity to conform to trends or to be accepted by certain groups.

But God calls us to something greater: authenticity rooted in Him.

We must remember to be who God created us to be, allowing Him alone to shape and mold us into effective disciples. A new name may alter our identity on paper—but it cannot change the heart.

Proverbs 22:1 (NIV):
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."