A New Name

So don’t read it as, “You will no longer be called Jacob but Israel.” But instead read it as, “Let your name no longer be Jacob but Israel,” meaning, “Act in such a way that this is what people call you.” Be a prince. Be royalty. Be upright. Be yourself. Not someone else.

That same sentiment is so important to us four millennia later. Shakespeare’s Polonius advised his son, Laertes “To thine own self be true”. It can be a good thing to try to imitate a person’s actions and lifestyle, especially if that person is Godly and therefore a good example. However, too often those who we choose to follow those who are not Godly, not wholesome, not the guy or girl that we would want to bring home to momma.