Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Wearing the Shirt and Claiming the Name

When I was growing up my parents bought matching t-shirts for the whole family.  The shirts had our first name on the front and last name on the back.  Mom and Dad bought them so that when we went places, like amusement parks and family reunions, we would be easy to spot and everyone would know to whom we belonged.  Seems a little dorky, but the sense of belonging and pride that I felt when I was wearing that shirt was priceless.  I think my parents were proud, too.

Looking at pictures of those shirts now reminds me of another family to which I belong, the family of God.  What a comfort it is to know that when I asked Christ to come into my life I was adopted into His family forever.  I get to wear the shirt!  I actually belong!  My heavenly Father loves me unconditionally, and one day I will wear the robes to prove that He has covered my sin and made me His own.  What a joy that thought brings!

Until that day, though, I get to walk around down here on earth wearing His Name on my back.  It may not be as visible as the letters on my t-shirt, but that doesn’t change the fact that I represent Him wherever I go.  I pray that I wear the name proudly and well. 

How about you?  Do you own the shirt?  Do you wear it proudly for all to see?

Someone once posed the question, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would they have enough evidence to find you guilty?”  What kind of evidence might convict a person of that?   I believe the fruit of the Spirit will suffice.  You know - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  These are the character traits that God wants us to display.  These are the letters that spell out our Father’s Name.  And these are the things that make Him proud that He has chosen us to be His.  So next time I am in the grocery line and the clerk is taking an hour to check out the person in front of me, what do you think my response should be?  Patience, kindness, and self control.  How about on the ball field when the referee makes a bad call?  And in tight traffic situations or long commutes?  Or even when someone wrongs me without cause.  Somehow, knowing that I am wearing His Name motivates me to want to do the right thing.  Is it that way for you too?

2 comments:

  1. I thought of that with my cross necklace and "Adonai" tattoo on my wrist the day the school secretary told me my son would not be attending Randall because I didn't fill out the right paperwork. Throw a fit and demand an exception, or be gracious in my response and remember Whose ambassador I am. I hope I'll be found guilty, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I believe the evidence is definitely mounting against you Debbie!

    Love the idea of Adonai being written on your wrist. What a great reminder of your "Master" in a place where you would wear shackles or an ID bracelet.

    ReplyDelete