Known by the Markings - Martin Wiles

You can detect them by the way they act, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit. Matthew 7:16 NLT

The excitement over my first killed bird quickly turned to disappointment.

My cousin lived on my grandfather’s farm and introduced me to dove hunting. Of all the birds flying around, I wondered how he could distinguish a dove. “Look for curved wings,” he said.

One day, Dad and I were invited on a dove hunt. Now in the middle of strangers, I wasn’t sure if I’d bag any birds. After a few misses, a single dove came directly toward me. These were the easiest shots to make. I aimed carefully, pulled the trigger, and watched the bird fold and fall to the ground. Proudly, I walked over to retrieve my prize. But when I reached for the bird, I noticed I had killed a mockingbird, not a dove. Obviously, I needed more training in recognizing the markings. 

Jesus made it plain that his followers would have markings—things that would distinguish them from others and make them stand out.

Unconditional Love

Among the markings was unconditional love, the ability to love like their heavenly Father, and the ability to show love consistently, regardless of how others treated them in return.

Kindness

Kindness should also mark us. Empathy for others should exude from our veins. We will inconvenience ourselves to convenience others.

Servant Attitude

A further mark is a servant attitude. Just loving isn’t enough. A desire to put love into action and obey the second greatest commandment drives us.

Abundant Joy

Abundant joy also invades our lives. Regardless of circumstances, we have a smile that radiates from the inner peace of knowing God controls our lives.

Patience

Patience is a further virtue we’re working on. When others treat us harshly or unjustly, we tolerantly endure.

Crowd Control

As Jesus’ followers, we have also learned crowd control. Not how to control the crowd, but how to control ourselves so we don’t have to follow the crowd to find contentment.

Make sure your markings are evident for everyone to see.

Father, mark me with those traits that show others I belong to you.

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