Identity

Last year I had a season ticket for my rugby team, Harlequins. I bought a replica match top and wore it proudly to every game. It was a great feeling walking towards the stadium with so many people all wearing the same colours.

On the train back from Paris last week I saw a guy with a Harlequins bag and we chatted for for a few seconds because we knew we shared a common interest. It was great to see a fellow Quins fan and remember that sense of belonging.

There's definitely something to be said for having a symbol or colour that identifies you with a particular group. Sadly the clergy in the UK are being advised against wearing their dog collar in public for fear of being attacked.

I've never been one for wearing a cross or a fish symbol, but I can certainly see how a fellow believer might find it encouraging to see someone else who loves Jesus. I'm not suggesting that we all rush out and buy tops that say "I'm a Christian" on it, but it does make me think about how I can make my faith more obvious to those around me.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35