God Squad

I was driving on the interstate when a white Nissan Maxima passed me.  The car was moving pretty fast, so it had my attention.  As the car zoomed by, I could see the outline where an ichthus once resided on the trunk lid.  Ichthus is the fancy word for a “Jesus fish” logo.

Clearly, one of two things could have happened to the vehicle.  First, someone took the fish off the car.  Second, the fish fell off the car.  I wanted to think that a Christian sold his or her car to this speed crazy maniac and then he pried it off the Maxima.  But I digress.  Regardless of how it left, the result would be the same.  It was a marked car.  Jesus used to be there and He left a distinguishable mark.

Scripture tells us that those who follow Jesus are marked men and women.  Ephesians 1:13 reads, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”

In that era a seal denoted ownership.  That unique mark, stamp, or seal was legally recognized for the land owner or businessman to identify the possession.  It would also be used to show that a transaction took place.

As followers of Jesus, we should be like the marked car.  Our lives should look like, sound like, and operate like Christ, regardless of the location.  Our behavior and actions should stand out as a way to glorify the Son of God.  We are marked men and women who have been sealed with the Holy Spirit.  This is why we smile.  This is why we share the hope that is in us.  This is why we demonstrate kindness and service to others.  We are a redeemed people who have been changed.

So let us remember who made the distinguishable mark on our lives and may that compel us to reflect the love of Christ.