They meet every year, a group of ordinary and unassuming veterans who have one thing in common—their nation's highest military award for bravery.

Almost all of them agree that the Congressional Medal of Honor has transformed and redefined their lives. For many, it has thrust them into the public eye. One recipient, assessing its effect on his thought and behavior, said, "You're representing everybody and everything the medal represents."

As Christians, we share a distinguishing mark more defining than any medal—the name of Christ. We profess to be followers of Jesus, servants of the Lord. For that reason, the apostle Paul prayed for his fellow believers to "walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him" (Col. 1:10). He urged Christians to be "fruitful" in good works and to be characterized by such qualities as patience, joy, and thankfulness (vv.11-12).

Our conduct should not be guided by expectations that come from ourselves or the people around us. They must come from the Lord, who has redeemed us, called us, and given us His name. Rather than feeling trapped by a set of external standards, we can celebrate the honor of bearing Christ's name and the freedom of pleasing only Him.  — David C. McCasland