Markers

Within moments of Oscar being born a pediatrician was telling me that she believed he had down syndrome. In the course of his post birth examination, markers had been spotted. Markers that point to a baby having down syndrome. His beautiful almond shaped eyes, the cute button nose, his lower set ears. The diagnosis that was officially confirmed by a blood test a few days later.

I was reminded of this when reading Romans 12 and the passage titled “Marks of the True Christian.” Like Oscar’s down syndrome markers, we should have markers on display that point to Christ. That without an official confirmation, set us apart as Christians.

Have you ever met someone and thought that they must be a Christian? That’s there’s something about them that makes them stand out. And when they share that they are a Christian it’s just confirmation of what they already reveal in their day to day life – Christ.

So what are these markers that Romans talk of? The passage talks of holding onto good, showing honour, living in harmony, helping those in need, serving the Lord. Not being proud, or revengeful.

But actually, when I read another translation, the passage is titled not “Marks of the True Christian” but “Love.” And that’s what should be the biggest marker on display in our lives. That’s what points to Christ. For God is love.

Love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Love.