Written All Over

 

By David Bragg       Tara Berry of Topeka, Kansas, LOVES the pop singer Madonna. There is no mistaking her devotion. It is literally written all over her. Announced in May of this year, the superfan was recognized by Guinness World Records for setting a new world record for “the most tattoos of the same musician on the body” (www.guinnessworldrecords.com). Madonna is inked into her skin with various portrayals of the singer 18 times (beating out the previous record holder by three), the first in 2016 and expending almost $10,000 over nine years. She has stated, “I’ve wanted this so bad and did whatever it took to get it.”     In the early days of the church, as Christians endured targeted persecution and deadly threats, the Jewish Sanhedrin debated how to address the peril they posed their political status. Those arrogant leaders looked down on Peter and John, denigrating their lack of education. But they had no answer for their courage! To them, one thing was evident: “they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).     This makes me wonder. When outside observers, especially nonbelievers, look at my life, is it evident that I love Jesus? Is it debatable that I have “been with Jesus”? Do I love the Lord to such an extent that it is “written all over me,” by what I say, by what I do, by where I go?   I LOVE Jesus! He has not called me to spend my time, money, or to endure pain in a tattooist’s chair to prove my love for Him. He simply asks obedience. He wants our lights to shine for Him.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/