I got to thinking about those tags and labels that tell us sizes, brand names, composition, and, often, washing and drying instructions. There may even be more than one tag on an article of clothing, and tags might be presented in more than one language.
Imagine if each of us had a label or tag or two to offer information about us and our best possible spiritual presentation and care. Maybe the tags would and should always stick out to remind ourselves especially about these vital details.
What would our tags say? First and foremost, our designer is God, who made us in his image.
We are trying to be 100 percent Christian, but that isn’t always so easy. We try to have a large heart and pray it will not shrink. Verses from Psalm 51 can help:
Proper care would include daily scripture and spiritual reading, maybe journaling, and definitely endeavoring to love others as we love ourselves. Just as with certain fabrics, we can develop some wrinkles that have to be straightened out. We can pray and ask Jesus to help us. We remember the prophecy of Isaiah 40:4 that is repeated in Luke 3:5:
As some labels indicate, certain things are “best if used by ….” We are at our best if we stay close to Jesus through reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Our labels would remind us that we need spiritual nourishment in order to grow. Forgiveness is a wonderful stain remover! We also have other believers to help us live up to our labels. We read in 1 John 1:7:
I think if I were to wear a tag or label to build up myself and others I meet along my way, it would contain these joyful instructions from Philippians 4:4-7:
Just remember, our Father’s heart is X-tra Large and, in his mercy, he often uses the Gentle Cycle with us. I challenge you to write your own labels! Tag! You are it!
Scripture passages are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.