Name calling on the playground is bad – right? Yep . . . unless it’s not. There are names that are worth being called by, names that are joy-filled and life-giving. Of all the nicknames I got throughout my growing up – Jar-head, J-Rock, Stepper, Steppy, Strep, Jair-man, Jair-bear,  J-Rod (None of them stuck … yet, haha) I can’t think of any that beat my actual name – Jared Stepp. Why? Because my parents and family are a wonderful blessing and have a good reputation – I’m happy to be a part of my family and share their name. That’s why this Scripture blows me away . . .

1 John 3:1 See what outrageous love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called [named] children of God! And that is what we are! (1 Jn. 3:1)

So, a name is only a few letters strung together to make a sound. But a family name can mean we are accepted, blessed, we belong and have a good reputation. In this case, behind God’s family name is all those things plus supernatural power, authority, salvation, and get this, outrageous and lavish love!

Truth – God’s love is so outrageous and lavish that He would name us His children.

So whatever your family name means to you good, bad or indifferent – get excited about one thing – you’ve been called by a new name – Child of God.