Who wears a badge, law enforcement, emergency personnel, generally officials of some kind, whether a true badge or name plate. What about us as Christians?
As I continue my study into my Christian identity, I have come to another passage in 1 Peter that I have been to many times. This passage is titled “Suffering as a Christian” in my ESV Bible. The basics are this, as a Christian, we are going to suffer and that should not be surprise as it should be expected. We should also rejoice in our suffering as we are able to find ourselves in the company of Jesus as He suffered similarly.
I would add one additional thing that I have taken away from the passage and that is the badge of honor I should be wearing as a Christian. I have to remember that the suffering is expected and that I should be proud to suffer. Just as law enforcement, emergency personnel, and officials wear their badges and receive all that come with it (good and bad), I should do the same.
“16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” — 1 Peter 4:16 (ESV)
Everyone wants to be a part of something when it is going great, only the true want to be a part of something meaningful. I remember in high school, I was a part of athletics and played all the big sports. In Texas, football is the king sport and my high school had a reputation for being great, except for when I was there. We were not very good and in fact did not have a winning season while I was part of the team. Support in the school was waning and someone (I know who you are) posted on the walls their support, even in the bad times they were and called out those who were losing the focus on the badge worn as a member of our high school. I am proud of my school and all it represents and will support them good times and bad.
As a Christian, good times and bad times will abound. It is part of the gig. Thanks to salvation, I am always a member of the team. We will celebrated when we do what society feels we are supposed to do and will be vilified when we are seen as counter to the societal norms. In each case I have to remember to wear the badge of Christianity with honor and be proud to represent Christ in all that I do.
What badges do you wear and when? Are you wearing the badge of Christianity in good times and bad? What if you found comfort in Christ and proudly put on your badge of Christianity every day and represented Him in all that you do?
Trevor's Thoughts 