The Bible throughout its pages teaches us the importance of the words we speak. In this text God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and promises Abraham that he will become the father of many nations. “Abram” means “High Father” or “Patriarch.” “Abraham” means “Father of a Multitude.” Thus, God was arranging that every time Abraham heard or spoke his own name, he would be reminded of God’s promise.
By the change of his name, God was promising to Abraham that the focus of his life was not to be on himself or on his position, not even on what God would make him to be. Now the goal of Abraham’s life was to be how God would use him to touch countless others with the life and blessing of God.
The principle is clear: Let God’s words, which designate His will and promise for your life, become as fixed in your mind and as governing of your speech as God’s changing the name of Abraham was in shaping his concept of himself.
Do not “name” yourself anything less than God does!
