“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)

We needed an identity. As the head coach of a new high school football program, this was only one of the many challenges to be addressed. Sure, uniforms and equipment had to be ordered, potential athletes had to be identified, and a weight program had to be implemented, but one key 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’s name 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 the side of our helmets.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we too have an identity. It’s not the fish symbol on the back of our car and it’s not the cross we wear around our neck. These things may help us look like believers, but Jesus want so much more. He doesn’t want our identity to be defined by what we wear or display on our vehicle. To successfully let others know who we are in Christ, we must go deeper. Peter Scholtes wrote the lyrics to a well-known hymn that helps explain a major characteristic of true Christians. “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 me to put my identity in You. Help me grow deeper in Your love each day. May everyone I meet today know that I am a Christian by my love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.