The Class Ring
There is something that is quite common in the USA, and that is “Class Rings.” In many up-market and prestigious educational establishments, all those that “Graduate” are all issued with a unique “Class Ring” to commemorate the Institution, as well as the year in which the graduation occurred. Some sporting teams are issued with a “Commemorative Pin,” or a ring, and this is unique to the occasion, as well as having the year of the event immortalized. In the Military, there is more than often a “Commemorative Medal” struck, to immortalize that the holder served in this or that particular conflict, and the result was oh so victorious, so the unique medal certifies that the holder held some very special and unique place in this victory, and to be so proud of the victory.
Even some “Rock Bands” have a special “Ring” and this signifies that they are part of this inner select group of performers, or were once part of this prestigious group. In previous times, Prestigious and Ruling Families had their own unique “Ring” and its members were easily distinguished as when you saw “The Ring” you knew exactly their “Heritage” and who they belonged to. Fire-persons, Police, Ambulance and the Military all have unique “Uniforms” which are worn while on duty, with special badges, epilates, hats and the like to signify their seniority and rank. These people wear their Uniforms with pride and distinction, they are always neat, clean tidy, and in “Show Room Condition.”
Back in the good old days of sailing ships, your duffel bag containing all your Uniform and Belongings was stored in a net that ran around the side of the ship just above the wooden railing as you sailed into Battle. After the battle you were to form out “On Parade” and were to be in full uniform, and it was to be perfectly clean and perfectly complete. Anything missing or out of place was a serious offence, even if an incoming cannon ball had destroyed your Uniform, you were still required to be, “In full Uniform.”
Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
Here Paul used “Military Symbolism” to help us to comprehend a “Spiritual Concept.” The “Christian Soldier” was to be “Always in Uniform,” and “Always, On Duty.” It is like asking, “When is a Christian not a Christian?” Well the answer is obvious, “Never!” As a Christian Believer, we are all in it for “The Long Haul,” and that finishes at the very end of “Eternity.” It is like asking, “When are you not a Human Being?” Well, that is so easy, you reply, “I was born that way, so that is who I am, and I will always stay that way.”
So as a “Christian,” who has experienced a re-birth, that “Spiritual Birth,” then how come we ever let the “Cross” fall, or worse, to even put it down? Matthew 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Being a “Christian” is an eternal “Way of Living” as we now have this amazing “New Life in Christ Jesus.” This “New Life” is a real life, “Once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” We Christians must never “Go Back to Sin” we are forever grafted into the Vine, Christ Jesus, we now have real true eternal life flowing through us. We have Heavenly fruit now, and forever Spiritual growth, we are no longer “Lost in Sin” for we are forever, “Servants of the Most High God.”
We have all once lived in a pig pen, in a world of sin and neglect, but now we wear the impress of Heaven, we are children of the King of the Universe, so we live that way, we walk the walk and talk the talk, we are Ambassadors, and we should so easily be able to say, “if you have seen me, then you have seen Jesus Christ.” Here is a gentle reminder from 1 John 3:1-3 “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
Dear Reader; Are we wearing God’s “Class Ring?” If you are not bearing the “Image of God,” then maybe it is past time for us to “Come Home,” and like the Prodigal, once more become part of “The Family of God.”
