1 PETER 5:3

“nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.”

Now what do I mean by “be a stamp”?  I’m not talking about a postage stamp. I am referring to something that has been imprinted by something else. That tool has struck something leaving its mark on it permanently. That’s been done to us by Christ. When we are saved His mark is put on us and nothing can remove it.

Peter wants the elders of the church to be types of Christ. He expects the same from all believer. He doesn’t want us “lording it over” others. We shouldn’t think we are better than anyone just because we are saved. We are forgiven but far from perfect. We have no right to put ourselves above anyone.

APPLICATION

Has your child ever acted as if they were better than others? Most kids deal with this at some point. They either think they are better or someone is trying to put them down. We need to explain to our children that when we come to Christ, all our pretenses and worldly engagements are put aside.

Find a kid’s stamp kit. You know the kind that has symbols or images on the end of a wooden rod. Usually these are used to dip in paint and put on paper. Let your kids have some fun stamping some things. Then explain to them how Christ puts His stamp on them once they saved. And when He does it, the stamp is permanent. The important thing is to let your stamp show. Let others know you are imprinted by Jesus.

Do you hide your stamp? Are you an example of Him to others? Show the world that you belong to Him. Your stamp may show through your love to others. Your stamp may show by your service to someone whom you know can never pay you back. However you need to show it, show it.

I will show my stamp to others, Lord. I want the world to know I belong to You.