The restaurant was quiet with only a few families huddled in corners. The air held the scent of hot oil and grainy salt as one lone cook stood behind the freshly wiped counter flipping burgers over a hot griddle. I waited in line for the restroom as my husband polished off his burger.

While my head was down I caught out of the corner of my eye the rustling of a long black robe called a cassock sweeping past me. When I lifted my eyes I was greeted by a large group of men in animated conversation with one another. Each man was dressed in different variations of black and white clerical clothing yet all had the same white collar wrapped around their neck. It was gathering of priests gathered for lunch on a warm afternoon. There was laughter and camaraderie among them as they appeared to enjoy each others company.

The seeds of faith once planted into their hearts had grown into crisp white collars that graced their necks. And those collars were now a symbol to the world of the faith hidden within their hearts. Submitted unto Christ, their lives are devoted to His work and kingdom- not their own. And here they were laughing over hamburgers and salty french fries like old friends.

I imagine each one of those men had a specific yet similar starting point in their personal journey that led them to the covenant with Christ they have at this point in life. Perhaps some have a past more colourful than others, or the call to lead of life of service came from the prayers of a little boy’s bended knees. But no matter the situations or circumstances that led them there, they all chose to wear their faith in a way that the world would see whom the serve.

[…] Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
1 Peter 1:6-7

There comes a point when we must look upon ourselves through the lens of the world so that we may be aware of our reflection. Do I reflect the character of Christ? Would one who is unknowing of my faith be able to see upon first encounter? Though I may not wear a while collar, do I wear my heart on my sleeve?

There are many questions that we wrestle with when trying to understand where faith plays a role in our life. When we continue to press into Jesus, we desire to see the evidence of His victory. But faith is not a role in our life but a part of our very being. Our faith is built upon a solid foundation that cannot be shaken by mockers and gawkers alike. And rest assured, when the seeds to faith begin to sprout and grow, the beauty of the miracle becomes evident to those who stop to notice.

Father, help me to wear my faith like a badge of honour giving all the praise and glory unto your name and not my own. May others see my faith as a part of my very being, a child submitted unto a King. In Jesus name, amen.