Thom Vaught
In first grade, our children Tim and Beth had a wonderful teacher. During the time of the Western Stock Show, their teacher would focus on western culture and they would study cowboys and ranches. One topic they covered has stuck with me. They studied about cattle brands. Cattle brands are made up of a series of letters and symbols forming a kind of language. For example, a backwards letter means crazy whereas a letter lying on its side means lazy. By design, brands are meant to uniquely identify the cattle with their owner. Most often brands are chosen because they have special meaning to the owner or describe something distinctive about them. As homework, our children had to make up their a brand describing themselves.
Three years ago, while Tim was studying brands I took them out to dinner at Red Robin. As we were sitting and waiting for our food to arrive, a lady entered the restaurant wearing a t-shirt with a brand or slogan on the front in black gothic letters. At first, I was not able to make the word out clearly, but as she walked by our table, I was able to read the message. It was a single word and it read “Sinful.” Most of us have probably seen more offensive bumper stickers around town. However, seeing this t-shirt worn at a family restaurant instead caught me by surprise. Reflecting upon this made me question what brands I wear in public. Now, for the most part, it is plain vanilla t-shirts without any real personality. I’ll let draw you own conclusions of how that reflects on my own personality.
In Galatians 6:17 as Paul is concluding his letter it is noted that he bears the brand-marks of Jesus. That is the same brand we should be wearing.
Regardless of whether you are wearing clothes branded as Old Navy, Aeropostale, or a rock band, each of us wears a brand that is deeper, longer lasting, and more significant. Those around you see your brand and it declares who truly owns you. Instead of being emblazoned upon your clothing this brand is embodied by each word you say and action that you take.
As you go throughout this week, consider what brand you are wearing not just in the clothes that you wear but deeper. What brand are you wearing in your words and deeds?
As you go throughout this week, consider what brand you are wearing not just in the clothes that you wear but deeper. What brand are you wearing in your words and deeds?
The Preacher Pollard Blog 