When Moses asked who was sending him, God answered, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14). From that moment forward, God’s people carried His name as part of their identity. The third commandment underscores the weight of that calling:

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

In the New Testament, Jesus identified Himself with that same divine name:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)

The eternal God of Israel revealed His name fully in Christ. As Philippians 2:9–11 declares, God has exalted Jesus and given Him the name above every name, so that at His name every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.

What the Bible Means by “Name”

In Scripture, a name is never just a label. It signifies identity, character, authority, and presence. To speak of the name of the Lord is to speak of who He is: His reputation that cannot fail and His power that rules over all.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

When the Bible speaks of God’s name, it points to the reality of His presence and the truth of His character, not merely the sound of a word.

The Weight of Jesus’ Name

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)

This command applies everywhere, including classrooms, lecture halls, and school offices. Bearing His name is a sacred trust. Ezekiel 36:20–23 records God’s concern that His people had profaned His name among the nations because their actions contradicted His character.

The same warning applies to us. Claiming His name while living or leading in ways that misrepresent Him dishonors that name, even when His name is never spoken aloud.

Jesus’ name represents ultimate authority, greater than any title, credential, or cultural label. To speak His name is to acknowledge the authority of the great I AM.

Application to Education

Every classroom carries the name of the teacher posted on its door. That name represents reputation and authority. In a far greater way, those who belong to Christ carry His name wherever they stand.

Since His name, meaning His character, identity, authority, and presence, is holy, those who serve Him in education must reflect that same holiness. Our work, speech, and attitude in the classroom are not neutral. They either honor the name of Christ or profane it by misrepresenting who He is.

Practicing What Honors His Name

To bear the name of Christ in education means intentionally living and leading in ways that reveal His nature:

• Guard your speech. Refuse to treat the Lord’s name as casual or trivial.

• Reject compromise. Never invoke His name to excuse sin, confusion, or cultural conformity.

• Live with integrity. Let consistency between faith and action protect His name from reproach.

• Use authority rightly. Lead with justice, mercy, and truth, the same qualities that define Him.

• Acknowledge Him daily. Point your mindset to Christ as the true source of wisdom, peace, and success that you and your students need.

Jesus’ name is never empty. It embodies His presence and His power. To bear His name in an educational setting is to carry a holy assignment day by day and year by year.

Enjoy every lesson.