大象传媒

Good morning. Getting ready for work often involves me searching for an ID badge.聽 Security's important in many workplaces now: For those of us with several part-time roles this can mean owning multiple badges. Having the correct one to-hand at the right time can be quite a task.聽

Schools are very particular about pupil safety, so I鈥檝e a tag for the place where I'm a chaplain and another for a school nearby where I'm a governor. The hospital requires separate ID and I鈥檝e other badges for different aspects of my work as a priest.

Most of the photos on my ID are terrible and, of course, the tag with the best picture is the one I get to wear the least.

Christians wear another kind of badge, one that can never be lost, although it鈥檚 hidden, and its purpose has more to do with revealing the image of God rather than drawing attention to the one who wears it.

The sign of the cross is marked on the forehead of believers in holy water at baptism. It鈥檚 a reminder of the calling of Christians to serve others; a mark of belonging to a community that seeks to point away from individuals and towards God.

I like the idea of a secret reminder that I belong to God who knows me, however, I look and whatever I do. And I love the idea that we might find our identity through showing others what God鈥檚 love looks like in practice.

But visible reminders of our roles and public responsibility also have their place. Badges of identity can remind us of the importance of good communication, the need to care appropriately for the vulnerable and to contribute to our community around us.

God of all, be with me through this day. Help me to be secure and clear about who I am, and how I should be with those I encounter. In all the different roles and relationships of my life help me to be a sign of your careful, engaging love. Amen