“The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.”
Daniel 1:7 (NIV)
Names carry deep and personal meaning in the Bible. When Babylon renamed Daniel and his friends, it wasn’t just about convenience – it was a deliberate attempt to reshape their identity. Daniel’s Hebrew name meant “God is my judge,” but his new name, Belteshazzar, honored the Babylonian god Bel. This wasn’t merely a name change but a systematic attempt to reprogram their spiritual DNA.
In our world today, we face similar attempts at rewiring and relabeling. Society tries to rename and reprogram us according to its operating system – defining us by job titles, relationship status, social media following, or bank accounts. We get tagged with labels like “too religious,” “not successful enough,” or “doesn’t fit in.” Like Daniel, we face pressure to accept new names and let these labels reconstruct our core identity.
The power of Daniel’s story lies not in the name he was given but in the God he served. Though they changed his name, they couldn’t change his character. His Babylonian name might have honored their god, but his heart remained faithful to the one true God. The official documents may have read “Belteshazzar,” but his identity remained rooted in being a servant of Yahweh.
While they could impose new names on these Jewish boys, they could not change their inner hearts. The Hebrew word for “gave” in verse 7 suggests “to set” or “to impose,” highlighting the forceful nature of the identity reimagining. This underscores the idea that true transformation comes from within rather than through external labels.
“What God thinks about me is more important than what I think about myself.” – A.W. Tozer, influential pastor and author known for his deep insights into spiritual life. This truth echoes Daniel’s conviction – our identity is determined not by others’ labels but by God’s declaration over us.
Worldly culture has a way of imposing identities. The world tries to rename us according to its values through media, peer pressure, and societal expectations. We might be labeled by our past mistakes, current struggles, or others’ opinions. But different names don’t require different gods—we serve the same faithful God every season and situation.
Identity is more about who you worship than what you’re called. Daniel shows us you can bear a pagan name while worshipping the true God. Your business card might read “Sales Manager,” but your heart knows you serve the King of kings. Your title may say “Homemaker,” but you are shaping generations who love God. Your status may say, “Single,” but your heart isn’t lonely as it belongs to Jesus. Your status, title, or position might change, but your God remains the same.
God’s names for us supersede all other labels. He calls us chosen, beloved, redeemed, holy, and His own. These aren’t just lovely titles – they’re declarations of our true identity, sealed by the blood of Jesus and guaranteed by His Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit search your heart and help you search the pages of the Bible and reveal who you are in Christ.
Godseekers, no earthly label can override your heavenly identity. Your name and role may change, and your status may evolve, but your core identity as God’s beloved child remains unchangeable and secure. You are named by God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for securing our identity in You, regardless of what names or labels the world gives us. Please help us, like Daniel, maintain faithful hearts even when facing pressure to conform. May we remember that our true identity is found in who You say we are, not in what others call us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- What labels have the world tried to place on you that conflict with your identity in Christ?
- How can you live more fully in your God-given identity despite contrary voices?
Step of Faith
Today, choose one negative label you’ve accepted and actively replace it with a truth about your identity in Christ. When that old label tries to resurface, deliberately remind yourself of who God says you are. Let your actions flow from your true identity, not others’ definitions of you.
