Marks of Distinction

Hi, I am Pamela Sue. I like…

• old windows
• a screened in porch
• chalk boards
• snail mail
• talking on the phone with friends from the past
• anything that smacks of pumpkin, especially Circleville, OH pumpkin donuts
• making my own greeting cards
• using mismatched Christmas plates
• burning real candles
• old black and white Classic movies
• putting that special touch on gift wrap
• laughing out loud ’till it hurts
• shopping on Black Friday with family
• practicing hospitality in my home
• hanging around young adults
• watching my family grow
• singing praises to the Lord
• serving others

Being distinct is the act of making or keeping distinct – differentiation between or among things. It separates things. When you say someone’s name, there is always something about that person that distinctly comes to mind.

As a Christian in today’s world, what should stand out about us as marks of distinction? Do people around us see marks of distinction in our lives? The marks are not always something we wear on our sleeves or plaster  and debate on Facebook every other day. It is not what we don’t do. It is what the Holy Spirit and grace are doing to mark our lives for Christ.

The first priority, of course, is salvation in Christ: evidence of God’s reality in our lives – “And you He has made alive, who were dead in trespasses and in sins.” (Ephesians 2:1) Is forgiveness part of the distinction? “…and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) Marks of distinction: faithfulness of God’s promises, our personal lives being lived out in the power of His truth, peace when our hearts are anxious, finding the pleasure of Christ’s company and presence in our lives. We have to prepare more than ever before in the history of our society not to be an island unto ourselves but to be prepared to have an answer.

And that answer lies in the truth of God’s Word, not what is written on a coffee cup. We do not stumble around in the darkness as one with no hope. “But now, in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off are made near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13) “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also shall rest in hope.” (Psalm 16:9)

Monograms are classic, and when stamped on fabric note the designer. They reveal the initials of the owner. They are marks of distinction. “Who has also sealed us and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Corinthians 1:22) “In Whom you also trusted, after you heard the Word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation; in Whom also, after that you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” (Ephesians 1:13) The Lord has sealed and put His monogram on your hearts, and that makes us belong to Him: a mark of spiritual distinction. This truth separates us from others.

This is the challenge before us: to bear the marks of Christ; to be distinctly Christian.

Pamela Sue