Leave Your Badge at the Door

Growing Daily

During the year before my grandmother went home to the Lord, she was in a care facility near my office. I would often visit after work, and she was always overjoyed to see me. But one day her expression suddenly changed.

I soon realized why: I had forgotten to take off my office ID badge. It looked a lot like the badges worn by the facility staff. Instead of appearing as a granddaughter coming to spend time with her, I looked like someone reporting for duty.

That memory has made me wonder how often I enter God’s presence wearing the marks of the world—an old identity. And how often do I appear hurried and performance-driven? Dutiful rather than delighted?

I learned to leave my badge in the car when visiting my grandmother. After all, I didn’t need credentials to get in to see her; our relationship was enough.

In the same way, I have all the credentials I need to approach God’s throne—and none of them depend on my performance or accomplishments. Like Paul, I can leave that old identity behind (Philippians 3:7-9). I can rest in the access I have through Christ and my identity as God’s child (Ephesians 1:3-5; Ephesians 3:12).

Lord, help me lay down the baggage of the world when I come to You. Teach me to simply enjoy time with You as Your child.

- Catherine Reid