The Most Powerful Name I’ve Ever Been Called

My name changed after one of the biggest moments of my life. I was still Jeff, of course, but suddenly I had a new name: Father. That one word changed my schedule, my priorities, my bank account, and my ability to get more than 30 minutes of sleep per night. Looking back, taking on the name Father changed almost everything about me.

I knew becoming a parent would be a big deal. I expected dirty diapers, sleepless nights, and enough baby equipment to invade a small country. What I did not expect was how deeply the name Father would reshape the way I saw the world.

Suddenly, another person’s safety mattered more than my comfort, their future mattered more than my plans, and a tiny human could turn me into a human gummy bear.

A name is more than a label. It captures who you are in a single word. When my kid calls out “DAD!” from the other room, that one syllable says it all: protector, provider, snack dispenser, and the guy who can always find the remote.

Now imagine that on an infinite scale. God's name represents his whole identity. That’s why the Bible’s claim that God is jealous for his name matters. This isn’t petty jealousy—like wondering why someone liked her post but not yours. It’s holy jealousy. Because God is infinitely good and glorious, He is wholly committed to his honor and to our undivided devotion.

Every dad knows a small taste of that feeling. Just hear your kid declare that Uncle Steve is "the fun one.” Something rises up: “I taught you to ride a bike, son. Steve taught you to burp the alphabet.”

That leads to a question worth taking seriously: Does your everyday life show that God is your greatest treasure? Or are your phone, your job, or your fantasy football team getting the attention and loyalty that belong to him alone?

Here's what nobody tells you about being a father: your reputation now walks around without you. It goes to school and birthday parties. It tells the cashier at Walmart and the teacher at school what kind of father you are.

Your children carry your name, and people draw conclusions about you from what they see and hear in them. That's a scary thought.

Here’s an even scarier thought. We also carry God’s name with us in everything we do. In the Old Testament, Israel was meant to show the nations what he was like—but they repeatedly disgraced his holy name. So, God stepped in, not only to bail out his people, but to protect his name. He will not share his glory, nor will he let anything cheapen his name.

The way you live gives people a picture of God. You should take that responsibility seriously. Some days, the picture is a masterpiece. Other days, it's a toddler's painting that looks like an industrial accident.

So how do we carry our Father's name in a way that honors our family? Start with a few childhood habits that are still relevant today:

Play fair. Admit your mistakes. Keep your word. Follow the golden rule. Let your decisions reflect your Father’s name.

Becoming a father changed almost everything about how I see the world. Knowing God as my Father changed me even more. His name matters more than anything—and remarkably, he entrusts you to carry it. So, live in a way that honors the name you bear.

1: How does becoming a father change your life?

Answer: Becoming a father changes your schedule, priorities, and perspective on life. Your child's safety becomes more important than your comfort, and their future matters more than your personal plans.

2: Why is God's name important?

Answer: God's name represents His whole identity. Because God is infinitely good and glorious, He is wholly committed to His honor and deserves our undivided devotion.

3: What does it mean that God is jealous for His name?

Answer: God's jealousy is not petty jealousy but holy jealousy. He is committed to His honor and glory because His name represents who He is.

Can Your Faith Survive the Fire? Join Jeff Struecker for Light in the Forest, an evening around the fire exploring faith, courage, and survival when life gets hard. Come ready for honest conversations, meaningful fellowship, and a challenge to stand firm when the heat is on.

October 26 | 6:00–8:30 PM | Gateway Baptist Church, 1651 Dutch Fork Rd, Irmo, SC

The fire is lit. The challenge is real. Will you show up? REGISTER NOW!