Monday, January 19, 2026

          There is a brief and easily overlooked passage of Scripture found near the end of 2 Thessalonians.  Paul wrote, “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write” (3:17).  Paul noted that he had a penchant for writing greetings in his own hand.  This practice would have been customary for Paul.  He wanted his readers to know about this small, personal touch that he added to his letters.  This simple, easy-to-miss statement leads me to think about how we are known to others.  What markers or characteristics do we leave behind for others to identify us as followers of Christ who have been saved by our faith in Him?  Do we leave any characteristics behind at all?
            More than likely, there are some distinguishing marks for your faith and walk with the Lord.  Some people are incredible prayer warriors.  We want them praying for us.  And we are grateful when they cover us in prayer.  Some people are tremendous students of God’s Word.  They are able to understand God’s Word and glean out insights that many people would easily miss or fail to see.  Some people are servants.  They are glad to go to work where others may fear to tread.  It is second nature for them to grab a broom, a cloth or a bag of trash.  They delight in doing the little things that often go unnoticed.  But we all surely notice when those simple things are not done by anyone. 
            Some people are encouragers.  Barnabas, in the Bible, was known as an encourager.  His name means son of encouragement.  He was a blessing to Paul.  Barnabas took Paul to the apostles and vouched for and commended him saying how Paul had “seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27).  We all appreciate those faithful folks who stand in our corner and cheer us on.  It is a blessing to have them in our lives. Some encourage verbally with words.  Some give us a hug or a pat on the back.  And still others bless us with cards and notes that lift our spirit and faith. 
            Consider how God has blessed you.  Think about the gifts or abilities that God has entrusted to you.  Blessings, gifts and abilities are good places to begin when you are thinking of how you make an impression or impact for the cause of Christ.  Once we have come to know Christ in a saving way, we are called to live differently and to live influential lives for His glory.  We are no longer living exclusively for ourselves. We are living to know Christ and to make Him known through how we live.  Paul knew it was important to leave some identifying and distinguishing marks along the way for others to see and know that Christ was at work through Him.  We want to live in a way that assures others that Christ is at work in and through us too.
            One other way that Paul left an impression was by his faithful prayers for the Christians and churches that He knew and served.  Today, one of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of prayer.  Pray for those whom God brings to your mind.  Be diligent in asking God to encourage, bless, comfort and provide for others.  God’s deeds are always perfect and, so too, is His timing.  We can bring people to God in prayer and trust that His perfect plans will be at work.  2026 is still a young year.  It is no longer new but it is a young year.  Make this year a chapter in your life where you begin to leave behind some distinguishing marks and practices that others can see.  Invest in others and trust the results to God.  Have a great Monday!