by J. Randal Matheny

Yesterday morning, at the Iuka, Miss., congregation, a church friend crowed about her intelligent grandson. He had asked, "Grandma, does the tooth fairy exist?"

Not wanting to give it away, she answered, "Well, he puts money under your pillow, doesn't he?"

"Yes," replied the five-year-old, "but the money smells like Daddy's billfold."

The world may try to deny it, hide it, or forget it, but the true Christians and churches will "smell" like their heavenly Father. They will bear the undeniable traces of his goodness, reveal the marks of his transformation, and reflect the pureness of his love.

Instead of cursing when they are cursed, Christians bless. "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:9, NIV).

Against the world's perverseness and immorality, Christians shine forth in holiness as obedient children. "... just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15).

And the follower of Christ has a love as broad as his Master. "Be perfect [in your love], therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

People will know who are Jesus' disciples, if they love one another (John 13:35). This fraternal love is a principle identifying mark of the true Christian and the true church.

No matter what others may say, the Christian's life and a church's character will show through, because they are like God. The aroma of their attitudes and actions will be unmistakeable, just as their message will be clear and forceful.

No doubt about it. The saints have been indelibly marked by being in the Father's presence.

Be one of them.