Brand Names

Bible Reading: Acts 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 13:4-6, 13

Erin and her friend Charlotte stopped to look at the window display in a clothing store. Erin turned to her mom, who had come to the mall with them. “Mom, look! That outfit is so cute! Can I get it for my birthday? All the girls wear shirts like that one.”

“I like those jeans too,” said Charlotte.

“Yeah!” Erin looked hopefully at her mother. “Can I get those, Mom?”

“I don’t know,” Mom answered. “Things in this store are pretty expensive. I’ve seen jeans at the discount store that look just as nice. I don’t think anyone would know the difference if you had them instead of these.”

“Yes, they would!” said Erin. “Everybody is wearing this brand. They’d know if it wasn’t the real thing.” Charlotte nodded in agreement.

“Well,” said Mom, “stores are closing, so we won’t be getting anything today.” The girls reluctantly turned away from the window.

On the way home, Erin and Charlotte discussed some of the popular clothing brands they hoped to get. Finally, Mom spoke up. “Brand names seem really important to you kids, but are you remembering that you have a name much more important than any brand name you’ll find on jeans?”

Erin and Charlotte looked puzzled. “What do you mean, Mom?” asked Erin.

“Brand names on clothes show who made that item of clothing,” Mom explained. “We’re often eager to show off which company made our shirts and jeans, but what about the name that shows who made us? Jesus Christ saved us from sin and is making us to be more like Himself. Those who trust in Him wear His name—the name Christian. I wonder…can our friends tell that we belong to Christ?”

Erin frowned. “I never really thought about it.”

“Me neither,” said Charlotte. “I guess we should, shouldn’t we?”

Mom nodded. “I know I don’t think of it often enough myself, but it’s something we all should remember. We wear the most important name of all, and people should be able to see that Jesus has made us new people and that He’s filled us with His love.”

“I guess that’s the most important label,” said Erin. She grinned. “And since salvation is a gift, we can wear it for free!”

-Brenda Decker

How About You?

Are brand names important to you? Are there certain labels you’d like to wear? Do you wear the most important label of all—Christian? That’s the name Jesus gives all those who trust in Him. Can others see that you belong to Him? Let His label of love show through your words and actions. When you treat others the way He would, they’ll be able to see that you bear His name.

Today’s Key Verse: John 13:35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Christian is your label