A police officer knocks on the door of a home. When the door is opened, he shows his badge identifying himself as a law enforcement officer. A fireman come inspect a business office and shows his badge to indicate that he is representing the fire department. In the mall, an office building of an airport, security officers wear their badges. In all these, and many other situations, the badge identifies the person's position. It is a confirmation of his credentials.
.jpeg)
As a Christian, there are true "badges" of honor and duty that all serious followers of jesus must wear. They are not outward symbols or icons of our faith, but they are traits that identify us as a Christians-representatives of Jesus Christ. Although we do not pin them on, these badges should be visible to those who are watching us. These identifies characteristics are what validate our profession of Christianity, and the manner in which we display them speaks volumes to those looking on.
Do we wear our badges with pride, or with embarrassment or half-heartedness? Can we, with the same ardor and conviction as paul, explain, "mostly gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 corinthians 12:9)? Can we say from the heart, as the great Apostol did, "from henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus" (Galatians 6:17)? God would have each of His followers demonstrate that attitude. Here are some "badges" the followers of jesus must wear:
.jpeg)
THE BADGE OF HUMILITY
An illuminating vision of God brings self-knowledge, the consequence of which is humility. When face ourselves in brutal honest, when we see our unworthiness, weaknesses, and limitations in the light of Jesus's perfection. There can be no room for pride. It may may be that we compare favorably with this person or that person, but that is not the correct measure. The standard against which all should be compared is God's standard.
Jesus is out perfect example of this virtue. He became poor that we might be rich (2 corinthians 8:9), and He who was God humbled and emptied Himself to become a man and die the death of a criminal for us (Philippians 2:5-8), the just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). The essence of humility is to always choose the interests of God and others over our own; and to choose service, not rulership, as jesus perfectly demonstrated.
.jpeg)
THE BADGE OF COMMITMENT
It is said that we are judged not by what we start, but by what we finish. Spiritually, this applies to the grand plan of reaching Heaven as life's final rearing place, as well as to our performance of essential tasks and duties. Jesus declared, "He that endureth to the end sha be saved" (Matthew 10:22). In Luke 14:26-33, He urges His listeners to unconditional and unreserved commitment of their lives and all they possess. He likens commitment to the builder completing a structure by the procurement of adequate materials, and to a kingdom waging war with its opponents through the accurate calculation and development of the military might needed for combat. Christ is urging us to go all the way, holding back nothing until we finish what we began in the service of God. In the Gospel, there is no other ways than all the way, right to the finish line.
THE BADGE OF FAITHFULNESS
People possessed with faithfulness are few in supply and high in demand. Being dependable and trustworthy is the outcome of being faithful. Generally, both entail consistency and stability in work habits and duties. Nothing can damage one's credibility or disrupt the orderly workings of an Organization more quickly than repeated violations in these areas.
In the spiritual enterprise, the standard is raised even higher. At least in part, the motivation of a hired employee is his pay. However, in the Lord's work, our devotion and faithfulness to our duties, whether big or small, should be driven by our all consuming love for God and the ensuring love for our fellow man and by our vision of eternity. "moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 corinthians 4:2). Someone onced said, "faithfulness in a little thing is a great thing." Jesus called us not greatness but faithfulness.
There may be other attributes of valor and duty for the follower of God. Perhaps He is asking you to put on some badge of discipleship today. Will you wear it gladly and proudly on honour of the greatest cause of all?