Frequently in life we are called upon to provide identification. We have driver's licenses, social security numbers, birth certificates and numerous other documents to prove who we are. People identify or recognize us by the sound of our voice, our visual appearance or even our handwriting. In law enforcement even our fingerprints, voice prints and eye prints may be used to determine our identity. In recent years our DNA has become important in assuring a positive ID.
As Christians we are also to have identifying characteristics. In I Peter 2:2-3 God gives one of the marks of a believer. He says, "desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." We crave whatever is in accord with our nature. Before becoming a follower of Jesus we craved the things of this world. But God says now that we are one of his we should crave for and delight in God's word just like a baby craves for milk. This intense desire for the word produces growth which is also an identifying characteristic of our relationship with God. If we really have made him the center of our life we will begin to mature and become more and more like his Son.
This desire for God's Word begins with the fact that we have tasted God's grace. When I was a little boy at church there was a man who always had a little bag of candies in his coat pocket. After church he would pass them out to us kids. I looked forward to seeing him every Sunday. My eyes would light up when I saw him enter the church doors. I was expecting some of his candy. Such should be our anticipation with God and his grace. Having experienced his salvation we daily anticipate hearing from him through his word. Get your daily nutrition and be identified as one of God's children.
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