Membership Status
In the United States, Memorial Holiday weekend is a weekend known for community pools to be opened for summer. The timing is perfectly aligned with the end of the school year and the beginning of warmer weather.
This Memorial Holiday weekend, my family went to our neighborhood community pool on Saturday at 10:30am assuming it would be open. When we arrived, I walked past the front desk towards the pool but then pivoted to look at the front desk workers to confirm the pool was open. My husband and daughter were following right behind me. The young ladies at the front desk said, “Actually, it does open today but not until noon.” They could see my 6yo daughter was disappointed. They were full of positive energy. They started to share information about some upcoming swim classes. I was asking some follow-up questions to get more information. They answered, “Well, since you are members, it is free.”
Since the pool was not open yet, we decided to leave and come back at noon. Once in the car, my husband said, “How did they know we are members?”
We did not present any identification. We have never seen these young ladies before. We haven’t been to the community building since last summer.
When my husband asked me how they knew we were members, I immediately thought about my faith. How do people know I am following Christ? Is it evident in how I’m walking through life?
Jesus gave me a membership…
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 ESV)
Jesus gave me the right to become a child of God. I am part of God’s family.
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV)
I have been adopted through Jesus Christ as a daughter of God.
My membership status is secure. I received Jesus into my heart. I have asked for forgiveness, repented my sins, and turned away from my evil ways. Every day I decide to follow Jesus as Lord of my life. I do my best to follow God’s precepts as I understand them, although I am still learning and recognize I am falling short in many areas. I expect to continue learning and growing my faith all the days of my life.
This is how I know my membership status in Christ is ACTIVE.
Membership Card
Our community building does not issue membership cards. However, they typically do ask for your name and look you up on the computer to check your status.
Do we require a membership card to tell people we are members of the body of Christ? How many people must tell you they are Christ followers (i.e., show you their membership card) or you wouldn’t have guessed it?
Scripture tells us to stand out – to be set apart.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deu 14:2 ESV)
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. (1 John 4:4-5 ESV)
Scripture says we will be known by our fruit.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matt 7:15-20 ESV)
One way to discern someone’s membership status is to look for the fruits of the spirit.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Gal 5:22-26 ESV)
We are supposed to look different – we should stand out. We should be easily identifiable.
Do Not Love the World
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[a]—is not from the Father but is from the world. (1 John 2:15-16 ESV)
This may seem like a silly example….but I hope it illustrates my point. I work outside the home in a corporate setting. I had the name of my YouTube channel and Blog site (PS God Loves You) embroidered onto my laptop bag. I take it to the office, to church, to bible study, etc. Sometimes, on my walk from my car to my office, I wonder if I’m offending anyone or I wonder if people think I am silly. Then I remind myself that is the whole entire point of the scriptures we just read above. When I have these thoughts, I quickly remind myself, this is exactly what I am commanded to do. I am commanded to stand out…to be different. It is very possible people think I am unusual or offensive.
Scripture reminds me that the world hated Jesus. If they hated Him, who is my master, then why would I think they would hate me any less as His servant?
The Hatred of the World
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. (John 15:18-20 ESV)
Another reason I push myself to stand out in this way, is because it acts as an accountability measure. Something as simple as a monogram on clothing or a bag serves as a reminder to me and all who I encounter, of who I am serving. I’m telling people loudly what I believe and my behavior better match up. This means people will often be watching me with a critical eye. Displaying these messages adds accountability to reflect Christ well in everything. It requires me to lead a good example for others.
Membership Perks
Notice the young ladies at the front desk were quick to give us additional information and tell us about the benefits of my membership. The way they engaged with us was welcoming and uplifting. When we returned at noon, they seemed to be celebrating our return. It was a delightful experience. This was an unusual encounter; outside of our normal experience there.
When we walked out to the pool area, we noticed our next-door neighbors were also just arriving. This was a pleasant surprise. We like our neighbors. It was nice to be there at the same time and get to know them better. They kindly offered us drinks and snacks. And we’ve agreed to get together more often throughout the summer.
This experience reminds me of the goodness of God. One of my daily prayers is to ask God to show me His goodness. I ask for help to see His goodness in my life. This experience at the pool is a small example of how He shows me goodness every day.
1. We were treated so well when we arrived; we were warmly welcomed and celebrated.
2. We arrived early which allowed us extra time to relax and enjoy each other before the pool opened
3. Our friendly neighbors were at the pool. We have NEVER seen them there before. And they offered us drinks and snacks.
As I’m writing this, I’m thinking of more examples from Sunday and today, Monday. I bet if I kept a daily journal, I’d have examples of His goodness every day. Maybe recognizing His goodness is similar to having a grateful heart?
Scripture tells us God’s goodness leads to repentance. I encourage you to try out this daily prayer.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4 KJV)
Activate your Membership and Throw Out your Membership Card
Activate your membership!
First, check your membership status. Did you activate your membership? Make Jesus Lord of your life. Be bold, be courageous, and ready to stand out for Christ. Be a beacon on a hill to shed light into every valley.
Throw out your membership card!
Walk with confidence in your membership status. You are a child of God. Allow your lifestyle to be your membership card. People can see your membership status in what you say and what you do.
Keep your spiritual eyes open – continuously looking for God’s goodness. Keep a grateful heart!
All praise, honor, and glory to God, our father for the work He has done, is doing, and will do!
Fantastic post Rachel! Good reminder of us needing to reflect on whether our actions are showing Christ on this earth. That is how we show our “membership.” Thanks for sharing!
Let your life be your membership card! Amen
This is a creative way to think about our Christian lives!