Bearing the Marks of Jesus

This particular topic of "having the marks of Christ" is perfectly placed in the time frame of my life, as recently my husband and I (after much prayer, waiting, planning, and hard work) opened a brand-new company. In the midst of all of the above, the idea of "marking" or "branding" became a pretty big topic of conversation between the two of us.

During the conversation, we asked questions that sounded something like this: How do we want people in our community to "see" us? How do we want folks to feel when they enter our space? What do we want people to be able to count on anytime they see our signs and marketing out and about? 

Just like any other business entity, organization, non-profit, family, church, musical group, sports team, or any other such grouping of ideologies, beliefs, or culture, the Christ follower has a branding on them. As Paul so plainly stated in Galatians 6:17, he bore on his body the marks that displayed for all to see, to whom he belonged.

Unlike the branding or marking we typically see in the commercial world around us, which is created to excite, be pleasing to the eye, and create a false sense of product value or worth, the marks of a Christ follower are real, raw, and oftentimes misunderstood by others. 

The truth is, the "marks" Paul was referring to in Galatians were clearly the scars of suffering, endurance, and obedience to a Christ who was not (and still is not) widely accepted in a world where people only want to experience prosperity, ease, and comfort. If we look at scripture, there are several references to the true marks of a Christ follower.

The Marks of Suffering are Never in Vain

In the Kingdom of God, suffering is expected, and Jesus Christ himself came to earth to participate in those sufferings on our behalf. It was love that compelled him to suffer for us, and it is love that compels us to suffer for him.  God has always, and will always, have an angle when he allows suffering into the believer's life. 

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

Marked by God

With Jacob, when he wrestled all through the night with God, asking for a blessing, God had mercy on him (because for real, who can wrestle with God and win?) but left a permanent "mark," touching his hip, which caused a limp for the rest of Jacob's natural life.

Can you imagine that every time Jacob took a step, he was reminded of the good and merciful God who blessed him and had mercy on him? God's angle was to show his divine power, coupled with his mercy and willingness to communicate and interact with his children when they seek him.

Scripture also tells us that Cain was "marked" by God for the purposes of keeping him safe in spite of the sin he had committed. God's angle here was divine protection, preservation, and a visible sign for all to see. What a beautiful thing it is to be "marked" by God.

Let's be honest, Paul, in Galatians 6:17 was referencing physical suffering; I mean, the man was beaten mercilessly, imprisoned, disdained, and slandered, all for being a Jesus follower. Not only did he have the physical scars, but he also bore a new name (which Jesus gave to him on the road to Damascus). The point here being: those who encounter Jesus are forever marked. 

• Marked by forgiveness instead of condemnation
• Marked by suffering that God has allowed, with the purpose of making us more like Himself
• Marked by a distinct change in lifestyle, thinking patterns, motives, and love for people.

Do People See the Marks of Jesus on Us?

Those who spend time with God are changed into his likeness (marked, branded, looking like Him). It would be hard for me to articulate exactly what specific thing marks a Christian because there are so many! Paul himself gave us a fairly comprehensive list in Galatians 5 of the fruit (marks, if you will) that can be considered a given in the lives of those who have truly encountered Christ Jesus.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against  these things!" Galatians 5:22

I find it interesting that each of the above-mentioned fruits will cause us to stand out in a dark world, and possibly even incite from others a sort of persecution...and then you have more marks.

The truth is, the "marks" of the believer are all over their lives. Marks because they've been changed by God through salvation, marks because of their obedience to the word of God and voice of his Spirit, marks from suffering with a heart of holy understanding that the God of the universe is in control and knows what is best for them!  I want to bear these marks.

With a play on the word "mark," my mind goes back to when I was a kid and remember being asked, "Julia, did you get good marks on your test?" While we don't necessarily use those terms for grades anymore, I thought it might be a good question here. Are you getting good marks on your tests? If others were to have to describe you, would there be any talk of Jesus, love, faithfulness, and suffering well? 

These questions sober me. I want to encounter God daily, moment by moment, actually. I want everything I do and say to be marked by him, whether it be a big decision or a small one, everything under his influence and care.