ORIGINALLY POSTED 9/5/16

This familiar tag can  be found everywhere.  My mother did everything by the book and nearly had a heart attack when my husband ripped a tag off of a pillow.  She was certain  the police would be there in an instant to arrest him for disobeying the law.

The tags that come in clothing are annoying and thank goodness they’re now disappearing.  Tags often wind up on the outside, making everyone think you have your clothes on inside out.

Life is filled with tags and labels.  Unions put tags on things to assure the public that they’re purchasing a product which has been inspected and approved.  Labels can take the form of bullying, when used in a derogatory  way. When we park in a no parking zone, we get tagged.  Companies use branding to make their products familiar to the public and thus marketable.

I’ve had many labels attached to my name over the years, but no name compares to being a Christian.  It’s not a guarantee that you’ll have a life free from pain or sadness.  It isn’t protection against persecution or ridicule.  It doesn’t give you a “get to heaven free card.”

On the other hand, it saves you from the guilt of sin.  It gives you hope for the future and eternity.  It shields you from the slings and arrows the world throws at you.

Being a Christian also carries responsibility.  By claiming the name of Christ, you obey His Word and commandments.  You love your neighbor as yourself and you share His amazing grace with others.  This label should be a reflection of what our Savior has done for us, not what we have done for ourselves.

Lord, make me an instrument of your Word. Amen!