THE DISTINGUISHING MARK

[4-minute read]

People everywhere bear visible distinguishing marks that others can readily recognise, especially when they travel away from home. These distinguishing marks can be dressing, language, food culture, social behaviour and mannerisms and even physical appearance. In addition, there are non-physical traits like what the apostle Paul and also our Lord Jesus Himself are known for: being risk-takers, strong leaders, strategic thinkers, and also, controversial figures. 

Then, there are universally contrasting human traits like meanness/kindness, selfishness/generosity, as well as humility/pride that appear in every segment of society. Clearly, not all distinguishing traits are helpful. Behaviour that should not be associated with Christ-likeness include rebellion, apathy, and hypocrisy. The Bible recorded how the Israelites so inflamed God with the construction of a animal-like gold sculpture that He wanted to wipe them out (Exodus 32:10). For that reason, God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites to the land He promised them, but added, “I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way”. (Exodus 33:3).  

Instantly, Moses quipped, ‘If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?’ (Exodus 33:15-16). 
We have the duty to ask ourselves - individually as disciples and followers of Christ:what differentiating qualities do I live out?

DISTINGUISHED THROUGH GREATNESS

In Genesis 12:2, God promised Abraham, “And I will make you a great nation…. And make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” God was literally setting him up for generational greatness! Galatians 3:29 assures us that what’s given to Abraham is also given to us.

But make no mistake, it is about God’s greatness - not Abraham’s. Biblical greatness refers to how God will enlarge our capabilities beyond what is natural or normal to us. It is the ability to fulfill God’s divine plan and purpose. It is ultimately about the legacy we leave behind, and the influence we impart to future generations. It goes beyond any respect or recognition we receive from others. Many believers read Deuteronomy 28:13 and think that God’s children are automatically given favour and position, even immunity from battles and challenges. But the verse is instructive about our obedience to God.

“The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” God Himself is the Head and not the tail; anyone who obeys Him will naturally be where He is.

DISTINGUISHED THROUGH FRUITFULNESS

Fruitfulness is the result of what we work on. It’s the evidence of growth, and is the outcome of a personal response to God; be it submission, obedience, faithfulness or gratitude. A tree is fruitful when it bears fruits on its own branches; it cannot claim credit for fruits that appear on other trees. In this way, fruitfulness is highly personal and it does not happen apart from Christ (John 15:4-5). When we rely on self, there is only rewards and not fruitfulness. 

“Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.” (Genesis 26:12-13).

Blessings are what we receive from God and all blessings come from Him. Including “blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast and womb.” (Genesis 49:25)

Blessings can take the form of unmerited favour, unexpected sources of provisions, sustenance and protection that we receive, often, from other people. Clearly, we can live purely on the rewards of self-reliance without ever experiencing any fruitfulness and blessings in life. Believers often deceive themselves by calling all favourable outcomes ‘God’s blessings’. 

Are you living on reward-based living, or on the result of an ongoing intimacy with God that produces fruitfulness in your life?

DISTINGUISHED THROUGH RESTORATION

There is a divine exchange described in Isaiah 61:3 – God works best in hopeless and chaotic realities even when problems seem irresolvable and beyond remedy. He is able to restore hope if only we let grief run its course. He is able to lead us into joy if we do not desert Him in our loss. He is able to speak more intimately when we allow Him into our despair. 

The problem is not God but us: we avoid identifying problems while hoping that God will reward us and restore what’s broken. God brings restoration only when we stop running from the issues we are meant to face.

What are the visible signs that restoration is taking place in your life?

We cannot claim to have a deep connection with God, yet stay under the radar, avoiding detection. Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33). We ‘disown’ God when we do not let Him show up in our lives.

This is a summary and reflection based on a virtual BIR Session held on 17 January 2026.