What Set You Claim?

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-28 - Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 25For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 26For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 27For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. 28But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

What Set you claim is a colloquialism started by gang members that simply asks; “What is your affiliation?” Gangs and other groups use many things to show their affiliation: colors, calls, and hand gestures. For example, fraternities and sororities are recognized by their colors, calls, and hand gestures. Similarly, to gangs, a call on a college campus is often used to find or call together other members of the organization. On a college campus, if someone yells, “Blue Phi” you probably will hear in response, “You Know!” if there are any members of Phi Beta Sigma around. Another notable trait of gang members is loyalty. Gang members are loyal to a fault. Take for example, the invisible blue line with the police. In recent years, the media has highlighted the loyalty the police have toward one another. In similar fashion, fraternities and sororities have learned “discretion” Discretion simply means, keep our business and your business close to your chest. In short, members of these organizations vow to represent the organization well, to never betray the organization and to defend the organization. For this loyalty, the organization provides protection, provision, and respect. Likeminded people are recognized by their behavior, their uniform, and their speech.

As Believers, I ask you; “What set do you claim”? How loyal are you to Christ? As followers of Christ, we are to look like Christ, act like Christ, and stand for Christ. There should be no doubt who we represent when others see us. Our affiliation should be obvious. The Bible tells us that Believers should speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Believers should represent Christ well in their behavior, words, and thoughts because their steps are ordered (Psalms 37:23). Lastly, Believers should not be afraid or ashamed to speak up for Jesus and to stand for the values that Christ stands for (Luke 9:26-27). Believers should defend Christianity against falsities and attacks concerning its truth and work hard to look more and more like Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You have shown us repeatedly that You are loyal to a fault, to Your children. You guide us, provide for us, and protect us. Thank you for your faithfulness; great it is. Forgive us, Father when we allow fear to silence us. Forgive us, Father when we allow our emotions to cause us to represent You poorly. Thank you, Lord, for new mercies. In addition, thank you, for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

(by Patricia Towns)