What Label Would You Apply?

 

Here we have a view of labels available to a pharmacy to let us know more than the names of the medication and the prescriber. I was reminded of labels when I was reading "Blest Atheist". Elizabeth Mahlou (a pseuodonym) wrote:  "I am not a label. I am a person. I have a right to be a person."

All of us wear labels - some of mine are wife, mother, tester, and the loved: grandmother. I had titles that were labels, too: Assistant Staff Manager-Contributions and Support. It was the title for a position my boss created to fit the needs of our department. I do not know if it was ever used it again since it required two separate backgrounds. Most people chose one or the other, uninterested in both.

Often labels express opposition, as in "right", "left", "centrist" but those were insufficient and "far", "activist", and other labels are added. The same works within religions. It's not simply Buddhist, Christian, Jew, or Muslim. Over the years additional labels were added.  I am a follower of Jesus as defined in the Bible:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26 KJV)

I belong to a Baptist church. Centuries ago they were called other names, most familiar is Anabaptist because we believe baptism follows an individual's belief in Christ as stated in John 3:16. It is done as obedience and a public statement of faith. However, there is not a single Baptist organization. There are additional labels as Bible, Fundamental, Independent, Northern, Seventh Day, Southern, and if you start reading the list of Baptist denominations, it will take you more than a few moments. 

It used to be that belonging to a Christian church meant believing what Paul preached about Jesus' life:

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV)

As we know today there are leaders of churches who no longer accept that belief - yet call themselves Christian. That's not the same as being a wolf in sheep's clothing:

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15 KJV)

Or, as Paul said:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV)

There are many examples in the Bible where a person misuses God's name, His plans, to the detriment of those who follow men rather that God. Some are not living up to the label they carry, which allows me to state: Labels do not define those who wear them. Beliefs, words, and absolutely actions speak louder than labels, no matter their source.

Jesus said it better:

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:16-20 KJV)

We are told a couple of times not to judge people - which means not to condemn them - but we are encouragead to be fruit iinspectors and not accept sour, rotten fruit when God provides the good. How do we know it is good? There are many examples in the Bible, but my favorite is:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 

(Philippians 4:8-9 KJV)

By what standard should we find things to be true, honest, just, pure, lovely or of good report? I personally believe if they fit in these verses, we are in good shape:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV)

Keeping these two commandments aren't easy, are they? You just thought of somone you absolutely do not love? Pray for them and yourself. It becomes easier. Loved should be our best label.