Jerry Maxfield, Guest Contributor

“…for I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus.” Galatians 6:17

What is your brand?  Do you have a “swoosh” on your clothing?  Do you have a tattoo on your arm?  How about a piercing or a bright streak of color in your hair?  What about a wedding ring on your finger…that is a form of a brand indicating your allegiance to a specific person. The rancher brands his cattle’s hides with a specific mark to ensure there is no mistake about who the owner is.  Branding is a way of expressing identity.  Branding marks a person in a unique and personal way so that others know who or whose that person is.

In this scripture, the apostle Paul was referring to the literal scars on his body from all the whippings and wounds he had suffered for the cause of Christ.  You and I may not have the physical markings to testify of our love for Jesus, but there can be other indicators as to Who is our Lord.  Think about it. What attributes do you exhibit in demonstrating that you are indeed a follower of Jesus Christ?

The Bible speaks of “turning the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-39) and forgiving one another, even to the tune of the figurative “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). Maybe it is always offering a kind or encouraging word.  How about displaying the countenance of joy and peace in the midst of trial and tribulation?  Perhaps it is that bent toward service and ministry that expresses Christ’s love to others.  Are you branded by the very character of Jesus in how you act and react?

There is no such thing as a “part-time” Christian. Just going to church on Sunday or being a reasonably moral person is not a permanent brand.  Does that cross necklace around your neck really mean something, or is it just a piece of jewelry?  The true follower of Christ is imbued by the Holy Spirit with the very character of Jesus.  That person is HIS. Jesus is their LORD. That person is eternally sealed…and forgiven.  He is not ashamed of his faith.  He is branded by the sacrifice of his Savior.

Put your stake in the ground for the Lord. Bear in your lifestyle, your interactions with others, and in the way you deal with the good and the bad of life…the brand marks of Jesus.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Bearing Fruit – Our Turn” by Bryant Wright