In 2007, the town of Rugby was a 'Silver Gilt' Award winner in the Britain in Bloom competition.
As you drive into the town you pass a sign [suitably rugby-ball shaped] welcoming you to Rugby, and informing you that it is where that game was invented. Fixed underneath that sign is a second notice about the B-in-B competition. Except that currently you cannot read what it says - it is completely overgrown by weeds! This struck us as rather ironic when we went past it yesterday.
It's a bit like having a fish badge on your car, and then driving badly. Or wearing a cross in your lapel and then being rude to shop assistants. The signs and symbols must be backed up by the actions, or our witness is worthless.
Brilliant point.
ReplyDeleteIn one sense, symbols are much more powerful than we realise. A symbol not only demonstrates a status but inspires behaviour worthy of that status. Which is baptism! Romans 6 - remember your baptism! How can you behave in an ungodly way when you've been buried with Christ in death and raised with him to new life through your baptism. A baptism is not just a sign of covenant membership, but a reason to behave consistently with that status.
This is particularly relevant to me as on Sunday we just had our daughter baptised - she is only four months old, so I'm not sure you'd approve being baptists - but as she grows up, we shall certainly be reminding of her of her baptism as a reason to live for Christ.
j