The Red Dog Tag
Theme of the Week: Contagiously Radical
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. … He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Bonus Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:20
Every day, I put a price tag around my neck.
To most people, it looks like a shiny red dog tag on a beaded chain. But a wise Christian man who gave me the idea said the tag he wore was so much more. In the military, he explained, soldiers wear tags to help others identify their body, even if the body is burned beyond recognition. The tag bears important facts about the soldier's identity.
Jesus dying for me on the cross is more than just history; it is my identity. Yet when I fail and sin, I am tempted to shame, believing that my identity is more about my failure. I doubt God's love and instead assume his displeasure.
Then I feel that cold piece of metal against my chest, red like the blood of Christ, and remember that God knew I needed a Savior. With the help of this tangible symbol, I recount the gospel—just as relevant to me today as it was 33 years ago when I became a Christian—and I remember that I am forgiven. I can trust him to change me, to help me start fresh.
On my dog tag, I have printed the words of [today's Key Bible verse].
I was bought. Here's the tag.
—Erik Segalini in Worldwide Challenge
My Response: What community transformation would I go out on a limb to achieve?
Thought to Apply: I will never be more judged than I was at the cross. —C.J. Mahaney (leader, Sovereign Grace churches)
Adapted from Worldwide Challenge (3-4/07) by permission.
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Deliver me, Lord, from remaining a casual Christian. I'm ready to become the radical disciple Jesus called for.
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