One of the ways that Animal Crossing makes the villagers in the game feel like real characters is the way they come up with nicknames for my avatar. Typically, they make one up based on a characteristic I’ve displayed that they have observed… but some of the nicknames that they come up with aren’t ones I would prefer to be known by. Many are simply not very flattering, reflecting a behavior that I no longer exhibit or want to be associated with. That is why I am grateful that I have an opportunity to CHANGE my nickname from the one they have chosen to one that suits how I want to be known and who I am becoming, not just the person I used to be.

While it may not be an official nickname on our driver’s license, many of us are stuck wearing the sins of our past or bearing the burden of unfair, inaccurate characterizations because of the unkind words of our fellow neighbors. But when we allow the Lord to renew our hearts and minds, we are freed from these labels we were previously known by as well as the chains that once held us down. As new creations in Christ, let’s fully embrace His grace that frees us from our past shame and grants us a new name. No matter what others choose to call us, we are no longer the “thief on the cross” or the “woman caught in adultery”. He makes ALL things new.

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 56:5

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