The Name Craze (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Revelation 20:12-15; 21:2, 27

Kenda used to be glad her name was different from everyone else’s at school—but not anymore. Some of the girls had pencils and notebooks with their names on them. Sophie even had a bike license plate with her name on it.

“I want something with my name printed on it too,” Kenda told her mother while they were out shopping. They looked in several stores, but they didn’t find anything with the name Kenda on it.

“I’m sorry, Kenda,” said Mom. “But I don’t think you’re going to find anything with your name on it in any of these stores.”

Kenda sighed. “You should have named me Kendra. Then I’d be able to find something.” She looked at her mother. “Does my name have a meaning, Mom?” she asked. “Sophie’s name means ‘wisdom.’ I’d like to at least know what my name means.”

“When I found your name online, the meaning I read was ‘child of clear, cool water,’” Mom replied. “But really, your dad and I just liked the name, so we gave it to you.” Mom chuckled. “Child of clear, cool water. Maybe that’s why you like to swim so much.”

Kenda ignored the joke. “I just wish I could find a notebook with my name on it. I’d love to have one like Emily does.”

“I know, sweetie,” Mom said. “But there’s another book—a much more important one—with your name.”

Kenda looked at her mother in surprise. “There is? Where is it?” Kenda asked. “I want to see it!”

Mom smiled. “You’ve trusted Jesus as your Savior, haven’t you?” Kenda nodded. “Then your name is written in heaven—in the Book of Life,” Mom said. “And that’s important, because only those whose names are written in that book will have eternal life with Jesus.”

Kenda took a moment to ponder what Mom had said. Then she grinned. “You’re right. That’s much better than having my name on things like notebooks or key chains. Those things won’t last, but having my name in God’s Book of Life is forever!”

• Raelene E. Phillips

How About You?

Do you have things with your name printed on them, like pens, stickers, or notebooks? It’s fun to find your name on things like that, but there’s a far more important place you want your name to be found—in the Book of Life. The Bible says only those whose names are written in the Book of Life will live with Jesus forever. Is your name there? You can have it written down today by putting your trust in Jesus. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 10:20 Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be sure your name is written in heaven