Stickers on the Car.

As I drove into a crowded parking lot I began to search for my son's vehicle. His car is silver therefore there were many vehicles that looked similar. Long before I could see the emblem of the car’s make, I noticed some decals that he had placed on the rear of his vehicle. With these stickers he had customized his ride with evidence of one of his favorite pastimes.
How about us? Most of the Christian life is filled with ordinary, everyday things. We may go to work or school or work at home. We shop, pay bills, spend time with family, and many more simple, ordinary things. But is there anything in our lives to show where our true passion lies? Do our lives bear the markings of our passion for Jesus? When someone who does not know us personally watches our actions and listens to our everyday speech, can they tell we belong to Him? The scripture tells us that we have been sealed by God. “[He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].” (2 Corinthians 1:22 AMP) This seal is visible in the spiritual realm. Our speech and actions are the key to this becoming visible to all those with whom we have contact.

Is a sticker of love displayed in our lives? Jesus spoke these words concerning how to identify His true disciples. “By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” (John 13:35 AMP) God's nature is love. “He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.” (1 John 4:8 AMP) As we imitate Jesus we will engage in behavior that is motivated by compassion and concern for others; not selfishness. “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” (Romans 12:10 AMP) Selfless love is a definite ‘sticker’ that a child of God should display in his/her life.

Another sticker that should always be displayed in our lives is obedience. “But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you.” (Jeremiah 7:23 AMP) We are to follow the command of the Lord, whether it is easy or hard, convenient for inconvenience. Obedience should always be complete. An obedient heart does not try to see how much it can get away with. It pushes to see how completely it can fulfill God's will. This includes obeying those who have authority over our lives in this world. “Be submissive to every human institution and authority for the sake of the Lord. (1 Peter 2:13a AMP)

Perseverance is another mark of a true believer. Do we lose hope when our trials are not resolved quickly? God may not always work on the timetable we would choose. His plan may take longer then we expect. We must continue to believe during these times. “Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.” (Hebrews 10:35 AMP)

One more sticker of our passionate relationship with God is an attitude of praise. How do we look at life situations? Do we look at the struggle or do we gratefully look to the mighty Father who is always caring for us? Do we complain about the present trial or recount God’s prior deeds and ponder His mighty attributes? “Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness!” (Psalm 150:2 AMP)

People are always watching us to see if our faith is real. When we proudly display these marks of true, passionate faith, those who see us will know that we belong to God. We will not have to preach but can simply live our lives before them. By these marks our true passion will be obvious to all.
So proudly display the marks or stickers placed on you by our loving Lord. Let the world recognize that you belong to him.