The following illustration shows how important names are to our identity, character, self-worth, and calling. It also shows why biblical names for God and Jesus reveal so much about God's character.

Based on a true story, according to court records filed in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 44-year-old Mr. Gary Matthews petitioned the court to have his name legally changed to "Boomer the Dog." In his petition, Mr. Matthews stated, "I've been known as Boomer the Dog by friends in the community for more than 20 years. I want to bring my legal name in line with that."

Judge Ronald Folilno denied Mr. Matthew's name-change request, arguing that it would cause too much confusion. Judge Folino's decision included the following example:

Petitioner witnesses a serious automobile accident and [calls 911]. The dispatcher queries as to the caller's identity, and the caller responds, "This is Boomer the Dog." It is not a stretch to imagine the telephone dispatcher concluding that the call is a prank and refusing therefore to send an emergency medical response. I am denying the petitioner's request.

The judge concluded his memorandum by observing, "Although the petitioner apparently wishes it were otherwise, the simple fact remains that he is not a dog."