Obedience is often the quiet starting point of everything God does in our lives. In most of our cultures and family settings, the birth of a child is a big deal. We celebrate new life because it marks the beginning of something with potential to grow and become established. One important part of that celebration is naming the child. Especially where I come from in Africa, a name is never just an identity; it tells a story, either of the present or of the future.
But here is a simple question. Who has ever seen a naming ceremony before a child is born? Who gathers people to celebrate and name a baby still in the womb? Simple wisdom says, wait. Let the child be born first.
Disciples First, Names Later
Scripture quietly supports this principle. Acts 11:26 tells us, “The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
They were disciples long before they were called Christians. The name came after the life, after the labour, after the fruit.
That verse has taught me something important in my own walk with God. Do not rush to name, label, or structure what has not yet been born.
When God Gives a Burden
Sometimes God begins by placing a burden in your heart. He may show you an assignment, a people, or a need in His vineyard. Often, He is simply asking you to start doing something small and faithful.
If it is prayer, He wants you to pray.
If it is caring for the elderly, He wants you to show up and care.
If it is reaching children, He wants you to reach one child faithfully.
Nothing more. Nothing fancy.
The Subtle Temptation to Name Everything
Unfortunately, I have noticed a subtle temptation, both in myself and in many young people. We want to name it too quickly. We want a big title for something that has not yet taken life.
I have not even truly reached one child, yet I am already calling myself a child evangelist.
I am not married, and the few homes I have counselled are still very young, yet I start an NGO and call myself a marriage counsellor.
This is not wisdom. This is haste.
Grace First, Titles Later
Dear brother, exercise the grace first before you give it a name. Go and do real ministry, touching real lives, before designing a flier or assigning yourself a title.
Dear sister, would you not look more like Jesus and His disciples if you simply lived obediently, served faithfully, and allowed others to decide what to call you?
Jesus did not introduce Himself with a title. People watched His life, then they spoke.
Just Obey, Quietly
Did God ask you to pray for the church?
Then pray. He may not be asking for another prayer organisation.
Did God burden your heart for a particular group of people?
Then serve them quietly. Do not rush to brand the burden.
Did God lead you to write short stories for market women?
Then write and bless them. Let the fruit speak.
Let the Life Speak for Itself
Who names a child that is not yet born? Allow the grace to be born first. Allow obedience to mature. Allow the work to grow beyond your strength as God breathes on it.
In time, you will find that people, without being prompted, will begin to describe what they see. Even then, it will never really be about the name.
May the Lord help us to return to simple obedience, faithful labour, and quiet fruitfulness, in Jesus’ name.