Seven months before the 2001 terrorist attack on the United States, Taliban fanatics in Afghanistan made international headlines by passing legislation ostensibly designed to protect Hindus. The law required every Hindu to wear a yellow piece of cloth on his shirt pocket. Plainly, the Islamic fundamentalists’ real purpose was to stigmatize, isolate, and intimidate Hindus.
How would we react to a development of this sort in our own country? Most American Christians are comfortable with or even proud of designer labels on their clothing, but how would we like it if compelled by law to wear an “I’m a Christian” label? Would we be proud or embarrassed?
The apostle Paul wore a “Christian” label at all times. He told the churches of Galatia that he bore on his “body the marks of Jesus” (Gal. 6:17). No, Paul’s “Christian” label wasn’t displayed on his pocket. It was tattooed into his skin by all the beatings he suffered for Christ. Whips, rods, and rocks had marked his face, chest, back, hips, and legs with ugly scars. But he wasn’t the least bit ashamed. If Paul was proud of anything, it was his relationship with Jesus (2 Cor. 10:17).
At present, Christians in Texas aren’t compelled to wear identifying labels on their clothes or the “marks of Jesus” on their bodies. However, truly faithful Christians make no effort to conceal their passion for Christ. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said. “A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).