In the U.S. Military, every soldier, sailor, or marine has a place on their dress uniform to display ribbons, badges and commendations they have earned and received. It displays military campaigns they have participated in as well as medals and badges for meritorious service. Some medals and badges are also accompanied by a letter of commendation. This is a way to show others how they have been commended for a job well done.
In 2 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul tells the believers at Corinth that as followers of Jesus, they are living letters of commendation. These letters are not written with pen and paper or displayed on a uniform. Instead their lives are to reflect the love of God and the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 3 says, “You are an epistle of Christ ... written not with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on the tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.”
When people in the world observe Christians living their lives, they should be able to tell a difference between how the Christian lives and how others live. Sadly, in the church today, it's hard to tell much difference between the church and the world. This ought not to be so.
Jesus said, “Let your life so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” As followers of Jesus, may our lives reflect the Lord we love and serve. No need for a letter of commendation; we are living letters to be read by all. May our lives reflect His character and love.
