License Plate Disciple

They've narrowed the license plate designs down to three in the contest sponsored by the Georgia Department of Revenue. Gov. Deal will pick the winner. . Its only a dollar, but its a very symbolic buck.

It would definitely stick in my throat if the state should automatically put the sticker on our license plates. The whole matter of separation of church and state conjures up for me all those horrors imposed on people the world over by zealous theocratic leaders; I want to keep that as far as possible from any reality that might happen in the U.S.

But I fully support the right of a free citizen to display any kind of religious sign on their own property. Still,if someone wants to display that sticker on their back bumper, why does it have to cost them at all? Does the state of Georgia really need that measly $1? Why can't it be free?

Then, I started thinking of our ongoing series at church regarding discipleship. When has being a true disciple not cost the true Christian something-his tongue, his limbs, his family, or his very life? Some Christians probably wonder the same thing about their beliefs- why do they have to cost?

Since the early centuries A.D., Christians have paid the price for believing in the teachings and promises of Jesus. They have been persecuted, ridiculed and killed for those beliefs. But those who know the teachings of Christianity, know this is what is expected of a true disciple- sacrifice and a willingness to pay any cost required.

So, when you ask for the 'In God We Trust" sticker for your new Georgia license plate and you have to cough up one greenback, do it realizing that this is just another requirement God is making of you to be a better disciple for Him, another little cost that you should gladly bear. Better yet, pay the State of Georgia that buck and give your church three more on Sunday!