The I.D. Badge

Matthew 10:32-38: “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”

As we think of National Telecommunicators Week, a good majority of dispatchers put on some type of uniform every day for work. I read a lot about uniform and ideas for uniforms in websites such as “Dispatch Monthly” and “The Emergency Dispatcher” (Yahoo Groups). I wore a police style uniform during my tenures at Shelby Township and Romeo Police Departments complete with shoulder patches, name tag, and badge. Today, I wear a “soft” uniform at Clinton Township Police Department, which consists of a blue polo shirt or sweatshirt and khaki pants. In any case, the uniform represents the department served.

But did you know as a Christian, you wear a “uniform” each day as you serve Jesus Christ? No, you don’t have a physical badge or I.D. card. You might say you are “plainclothes” because others cannot see your heart. Therefore, I want to give you some identifiers of a Christian.

First, we need to tell others about Christ. As we look at a couple of the charges Christ gives to witness to the lost world, He says in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Further, in Acts 1:8, Christ says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” So, the Holy Spirit will give you the opportunities and the words to say if you will look to Him. (And there’s nothing wrong with leaving a tract somewhere for others to read.)

Secondly, I believe we need to pray. Do you ask for God’s wisdom before you start your shift? We need to ask God for His help and assistance. We need to acknowledge God for something He has done for us. Even if we bow our head before partaking food, thanking God for the provisions He has provided for our needs.

Thirdly, we need to be a good testimony for Christ before others. In other words, we need to “talk the talk” and then “walk the walk.” We see a lot in our world today. Therefore, we need to be a good example in front of others and avoid the temptation to do wrong.

Finally, we need to carry or read our Bibles. Now you may not be able to carry a full-size Bible with you during your daily activities. But you should be able to have a small Bible, maybe a New Testament, at your disposal. I carry a small Bible provided by the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers in the front compartment of my lunch bag. That way, if I want to read a passage or look up something, it’s right there for me. Plus, it’s an encouragement to get something from the Word of God.

In conclusion, we must wear our “Christian badges” proudly. You will be surprised at who is watching you, whether you would be praying at the lunch table, avoiding temptation, or just by your attitude. People will see a difference in our lives. They will want to know why we are different. This could then be the opportunity to tell them about Jesus Christ. Think of this fact: In front of the multitudes of people, Christ walked through the city with Roman soldiers to Calvary. There He hung on the cross for our sins.

You have something to live for if you are a Christian. Don’t hide it! Learn to tell others about Jesus, but when you are not witnessing for Him, be an example for Jesus Christ. We are not perfect - that’s why Christ paid the price for us on the cross - but we should stick out in the crowd, just like we do when we wear our uniforms. For many years, I have proudly wore the uniform of the department I have represented, which stands for justice and protection of the citizens and property of that community. All of us should be proud to be Christians, soldiers for Jesus Christ, and be an example for Him in our daily lives. Wear the badge of Jesus Christ proudly in your hearts and lives.

Special thanks to Chaplain Dave Purdle, Founder, Ministry 9-1-1, Shelby Twp., Michigan, for this article.