We are always communicating to others who we are. We just cannot help ourselves. We want others to properly understand us.
Never has this been more clear than in today’s world where different cultures are now getting to know each other. The messages about identity are non-stop among us.
Muslims of all types make it clear who they are by disciplines and clothing. People who love tatoos leave no doubt what they want you to know about them with their public tatoos. Company executives dress for success so you will know that they are. Hipsters always make sure we know they are “hip” by their hair and their clothes.
Should Christians declare clearly who they are? If so, how should Christians identify themselves in public?
There are at least two public declarations that allow us to say who we are as Christians. One is a public baptism and the other is participation the Lord’s supper or Communion.
Both Baptism and the Lord’s supper say Jesus is vitally important for us and in us. Both of these special moments, if observed authentically and thoughtfully, say we are forever connected to what Jesus did for us and what He is in us.
Even with these two fantastic declarations, the most powerful way that we are to declare publicly who we are as disciples is by the quality of our daily love. For a Christian continuous love is our very visible “discipline”,“clothing”, “tatoo” and “success”. And high quality love is always “hip”.
Declare clearly who you are in Christ. Be baptized and join other believers in taking the Lord’s supper. Above all things, live high quality love rooted in God. Jesus certainly did.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Bud McCord
Abide International
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