Read Galatians 6:11–18

Today’s Scripture: Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Galatians 6:17

In Paul’s day, it was not unusual for the follower of some heathen god or

goddess to be branded with the mark of that idol. He was proud of his –god and wanted others to know it. In the same way, Paul was “branded” for Jesus Christ. It was not a temporary mark but a permanent mark that he would take to his grave. Nor did he receive his brands in an easy way: He had to suffer repeatedly to become a marked man for Christ. It was also the practice in that day to brand slaves so that everyone would know who the owner was. Paul was the slave of Jesus Christ, and he wore the Lord’s mark to prove it.

It is worth noting that sin brands a person. It may mark his mind, his

personality, even his body. Few people are proud of the sin marks they bear, and conversion does not change them. (Thank God, those changes will come when Jesus returns!) How much better it is to love Christ and live for Him and be “branded” for His glory.

Something to Ponder

In what ways are you “branded” for Jesus?