“For we are God’s handiwork…” (Ephesians 2:10)

My new puppy, Charlie, met my parents for the first time last week. I had warned my dad that I was expecting him to come up with a nickname for the little guy. He had nicknamed my Yorkie, Lilly, “Lilly Doggins,” and people still ask me about her and call her by her full name.

My dad did not disappoint me—Charlie is now “Charlie Bones,” so named because he loves to chew on his bone-shaped chew toys. One evening, my dad stared calling him “Mr. Charlie Bones-Jangles” after the song, “Mr. Bojangles.” It’s a bit of a mouthful though, so we quickly shortened his nickname back to “Mr. Charlie Bones.”

Did you know that God has names for us as well? He calls us

• Beloved
• Redeemed
• His child
• A masterpiece
• The righteousness of God
• Fearfully and wonderfully made
• A treasure
• Friend
• Conqueror
• And many more

We didn’t do anything to earn those names, as Charlie did his, but God views us through the lens of Jesus’s sacrifice, which makes us whole and clean in his sight.

Often, we have a hard time recognizing ourselves in these names. Maybe we grew up with labels like smart or dumb, lazy or productive, or worthwhile or worthless. But when we look to God to define us rather than the world, we draw closer to him and begin to see ourselves as he sees us.

What is your favorite name that God calls you?

Dear Jesus, help us to see ourselves as you see us and not with the labels the world places on us. When we forget—and we will—remind us of the special endearments you have just for us. Amen.