In Acts 11:26, the disciples were called Christians for the first time. Why? Because they were followers of Christ. We become Christians by confessing/repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This poses a question that I would like us all to ponder today: Would the people around you, the people that don't know that you have been saved, call you a Christian based only on your actions? Are you living your life as a Christ Follower or are you sitting stagnant? Will your actions get you into heaven - no, but they will allow others to see a glimpse of God through you or not. You get to choose.

Here's a related post from my friend LuAnn Prater:
"Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the LORD.”
Exodus 28:36 (NIV)

Recently I received a license plate with my company’s logo on it. They strongly encouraged us to place it on the front of our car so that everyone can see who I work with at a glance. I was pretty excited and proud to do it - at first. However, when someone cut me off in traffic and heat rushed up my spine, sending my morning smile into a scowl, I remembered the plate that identified me! I forced the grimmace to leave my face and replaced it with numbness. Arghh! The realization hit me, I can’t just react now without thinking of the impression it will leave on others. I must admit at times I’ve wanted to intentionally drive through a mud hole to mask the name on that plate.

My girlfriend won’t let her husband put a fish symbol on their car, a symbol of their faith, because she knows that car can sometime reflect a little “road rage”. She is afraid it might reflect poorly on her Savior. What if we had to wear the seal of God on our forehead for everyone to see? Would we act any differently? Would we be nicer to the store clerk, the grumpy boss or the bratty child? If at a glance the world could see who we were with, would it alter our behavior?

In Ephesians 1:13 it says, “… Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” So we ARE marked with a seal, and it is not just on our foreheads, it should be oozing from every part of our being! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, it is as powerfully evident to others as an engraved nameplate welded to our face that we belong to Christ. How? Matthew 5:16 tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Surprisingly, I have become accustom to to the nameplate on my car. I think now before I react. I consider the consequences of my driving. It has seriously made me a better driver and less stressed. Isn’t that amazing? It no longer makes me anxious or afraid that I will discredit my company. People recognize me coming now and wave.

So who is reading your nameplate? Do they recognize the light of Christ in your actions?

Father, we often try to blend in with the world. Give us freedom today to proudly display the righteousness You have given us by reflecting your light onto others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Your Life by Sarah Young

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Application Steps:
Make a sticky note name-tag that states, like our key verse, “Holy to the Lord” and wear it today. Allow God to work through you and in you as others notice Who you are with.

Reflections:
What makes me hide the fact that I am a Christian?

How can I purposely shine on others today?

Why do I act as if no one is watching? God not only sees, His Holy Spirit is with you…during the good and bad reactions.

Power Verses:
Matthew 28:20b, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)

Col. 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (NIV)

1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV)