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Forensic Evidence

Yesterday I had my fingerprints taken. It's a requirement for the new job I start next week. Ink was pressed into my fingertips and fingers, then expertly rolled by the technician onto the official card. Now, I'm in the system. So if I run out and commit a crime and leave my fingerprints behind, they'll know whodunnit. As everyone knows, fingerprints are unique to each person. Not even identical twins have identical fingerprints. They're similar, but still different. 

Our legal system uses this information to catch the bad guys. It's a wonderful tool and has solved many crimes since the 1800s. The U.S. military began using fingerprints as a primary method of identification in 1905 and it quickly spread to police departments. Now, it's standard procedure. Fingerprints, DNA, and now a host of other things make up identity. We are one-of-a-kind people, extraordinary individuals. And we always leave traces of ourselves wherever we go. A strand of hair, a fingerprint, or a conversation.

For the Christian, our identity is not wrapped up in ourselves. Romans 8:29 says:  "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."

It's God's will/plan that we become just like Jesus. There is usually a family resemblance among siblings. I know that's true in my family. Jesus is my brother--my eldest brother, and he's already shown me how to live in light of horrific trials, how to deal with fame, how to be a friend, how to treat enemies, and how to love. Our society teaches us to be a Lone Ranger, a solo act to make our mark on the world.

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."  Ephesians 4:22-24

The fingerprints we leave on our relationships, our job, or in Wal-Mart should look like Jesus was there. The trail of evidence will always lead to our relationship with Him or the lack of it. Criminals sometimes wear gloves to eliminate any prints being left, but all of us leave something behind. No gloves will hide a rude response or leaving a cart in a parking space, because we were too busy to put it where it belongs. Which would you rather that the cashier at Wal-Mart remembers you for - a smile and a kind word or a grumpy, dissatisfied customer?  If you say that you don't care...that says it all.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29




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