The Mark Of The Christian

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 13:35

External marks of identification are accepted in our culture. If you work in a company, you may wear an ID badge. If you live in a gated community, you may need a windshield sticker to gain access. And if you want to check your child in or out of a nursery at church or preschool, you will probably need a picture ID card.

ID marks and badges are so common today that it will likely be no surprise when the coming Antichrist requires every person on earth to receive a mark on the forehead or hand signifying his or her allegiance to him—and thereby, the right to buy and sell in the marketplace. Christians, on the other hand, have an ancient mark instituted by Christ Himself: love for one another. He said the world will know who His disciples are by the presence (or absence) of love. The Antichrist’s disciples will be identified by a bodily mark of some sort, while Christ’s disciples will be (and should be today) identified by their love for one another.

The question for every Christian is, How plain is Christ’s mark in your life? How obvious is it that you belong to Him?

Love is service rather than sentiment.

JOHN R. W. STOTT