What's in a Name?

There is a line much quoted by fans of Shakespeare and just in general. It is from the famous, tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet. Juilet is lamenting that her true love (whom she has just met and has decided he is her true love) is a Montague, the mortal enemay of the Capulets. In her famous balcony monologue, she says:

"What's in a name? that which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet." 

(Romeo and Juliet, 2.2.47-48)

Okay, so Juliet doesn't quite understand why a name could be so important (Seeing as she is only 13 and has supposedly found her true love, I am guessing she just hasn't figured out life quite yet...).

A name is important. That is why we make such a big deal when we are naming a child, a dog, a company, a story, a blog post. A name is what sets the tone for what is done next. 

There is a specific name I would like to point out that many do not know. This is the real name of the commonly called "Mormon" or "LDS" church. The name of the church is not either of these. These are nicknames. The real name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Long, yes. But it is important to understand the real meaning of the name. It denotes something of utmost importance.

When Christ organized His church on the earth during His life, He called it "The Church of Jesus Christ". In 1 Corinthians, Paul calls the people of Corinth to repentance for calling themselves after anyone else but Christ. He says, "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). What's in a name, Juliet? There is much in a name. A name can be misleading. When something is not called the proper name, others may believe get the wrong impression.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a church that's true name denoted what it is. The first part, The Church of Jesus Christ, helps make it clear we worship the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The second part "Latter-day Saints" helps us know what period of time we are in, namely the last days. In short, the name of Christ's Church in these last days would be after Him and denoting that these are the last days, hence The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Saints" means followers.

So while to Juliet, a name wasn't much. To our Father in Heaven and our Savior, a name means a lot. It helps us to truly know we are following Him. He knows because of the name that we are called, we are His disciples. He knows we follow what is said in the Book of Mormon, in 2 Nephi 25:26,

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ,

 we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, 

that our children may know to what source 

they may look for a remission of their sins."

Next time you wonder, "What's in a name?", remember that a name is exteremely meaningful to your Father in Heaven.

I love you all!

Love,

Sister Mackenzie Esmond