Don’t Let Them Rename You

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:60

“But his mother answered and said, No; he shall be called John.”

Devotional

There’s something bold and freeing about the way Elizabeth speaks in Luke 1:60. “No,” she says, not maybe, not let’s think about it, “No; he shall be called John.” It wasn’t up for debate. What God had said about her son stood, even when the community around her pushed back.

At first glance, it may just seem like a naming issue, but it goes much deeper. This was about identity, purpose, and obedience. In those days, naming a child after a relative was tradition. But John’s calling wasn’t rooted in tradition, it was rooted in heaven.

That moment holds a truth many of us need to hear today: what God has said about you is not up for public approval.

Maybe you’ve been called to start something new, a ministry, a business, a movement, but someone close to you thinks you’re “reaching.” Maybe you’ve been trying to walk in freedom, but people keep reminding you of your past. Maybe you’re the first in your family to break cycles, and the pressure to “name” your life based on history is loud.

But here’s the thing: people will always try to name you based on what they know.
God calls you based on what He’s destined.

If Elizabeth had bowed to pressure, John wouldn’t have been named according to God’s word. Imagine how different things could have been if she allowed others to decide. It was her “no” that protected the purpose attached to that child’s life.

In our world today, people “name” us all the time, on social media, in families, in classrooms, and even in churches. But just because someone calls you something, doesn’t mean you have to answer to it. What you allow becomes your reality.

So here’s the challenge:

1. Stop accepting names that don’t reflect your calling.
2. Refuse to answer to labels rooted in fear, shame, or tradition.
3. Stand firm in what God has said, even if it goes against the grain.

Whether you're the "first" in your family, the misunderstood one in your group, or the only one with a vision others don’t get, remember this:
God has already named your journey. Hold on to that name.

Reflection Questions:

1. What names or labels have I accepted that God didn’t give me?
2. Where do I need to say “No” like Elizabeth?
3. What has God called me that I’ve been too afraid to believe?

Prayer:

Lord, remind me of who I am in You. Help me shut out the noise of opinions and stand on Your word. Let me walk confidently in the identity You’ve given me. Amen.