“Now three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.”

– 1 Corinthians 13:13 (Holman Christian Standard)

We needed an identity. As the head coach of a new high school football program, this was just one of the many challenges to be confronted. Sure, uniforms and equipment had to be ordered; potential athletes had to be identified and a weight training program had to be implemented, but one important question had to be answered. How would others know who we were? With that in mind, my next-door neighbor Dan and I began developing a new helmet logo. I had some ideas in my head and Dan had experience as a graphic artist. What we came up with was a unique design that incorporated the first letter of the school and a panther claw which represented the school mascot. As we began our first season of competition, we would be known by the distinctive logo displayed proudly on our helmets. That was thirty-three years ago and to my amazement, the logo is still being used by the school today.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we too look for an identity. I can only guess how many of us have the fish symbol (Ichtus) on our car bumper, a cross around our neck or an I’m Not a Fan bracelet on our wrist. We certainly look the part, but Jesus expects much more. He doesn’t want our identity to be defined by what we wear or display on our vehicles. To successfully let others know who we are in Christ, we have to go deeper. Peter Scholtes penned the lyrics to a familiar song that clearly explains what is expected of us as Christians. He nailed our identify when he wrote these words, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Symbols and logos come and go, but love never ends. That powerful message shared over two thousand years ago, is still vibrant and strong in the hearts of Christ-followers today.

Heavenly Father, teach us to put our identity in You. Help us to grow deeper in Your love each day. May everyone we meet know we are Christians by our love. Amen.