Though we may want to believe that our actions or words are our own; it is always true that we represent more than the sum of ourselves. In a world filled with preconceptions, ideologies and varying philosophies; we can either by our actions confirm another’s negative preconceptions or we can be a beacon of light that shatters the misconceptions into millions of stars to light the way to love, hope and joy. On any given day, we represent to others who we say we are. I become the representative of my family, my race, my nationality, my gender and my faith; whether, I choose to or not.
LIFE EXAMPLE
A prime example of this was when I moved to Mexico the first time with my husband. There were many negative preconceptions of young females from the United States. Automatically, I was shunned by the other women there who believed that I could not possibly have any moral principles; because, I was from the USA. Every act of kindness was weighed and measured with a preconceived notion that I must be doing so to flirt with another’s man or to promote myself in some way. It took years to gradually dispel these false notions. Yet, one can see, that I represented the women of the USA while I lived there, for good or for bad. Every act or word could either worsen the divide or become a bridge to opening hearts to trust and grow.
WHO DO WE AS CHRISTIANS REPRESENT?
This same concept is true when it comes to Christianity. As a Christian, I represent Christianity in its entirety to many nonbelievers. As such, I must be constantly aware of this. Whether it be in my own family, to other Christians, my co-workers, or to a group that profoundly declare their hatred of Christians; I represent Christianity to the world. Either I can confirm all the negative preconceptions that many have toward Christianity or I can be a beacon of light dispelling fears, anger, and distress by presenting the truth of the gospel both in word and deed.
The true gospel message is one of hope, love, mercy and grace to a world in need. All too often, Christians fail to represent this and instead worsen the negative narrative of bigotry, anger, self-aggrandizement, and pride. We are so quick to condemn others rather than to reach out a hand of love to guide them to Christ.
As we continue our series in Colossians, we note that Paul instructs us that whatsoever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Everything that we do! This is what for some would seem a foreign concept. Every action that I take and every word that I speak, I am His representative, here on earth. Because of all that He has done to secure my salvation; then, out of a heart that overflows with thanksgiving toward Him; I am to be mindful of everything I do.
COLOSSIANS 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
When I recognize the magnitude of Grace it took for God to love me and the depth of sacrifice that it took for Him to rescue me; then, I must display Grace, Love and be willing to sacrifice my own selfish egotistical desires for the good of the Kingdom of God. All too often, we so want to show the world that we are better than they are; but, the truth is we have nothing to stand on apart from Christ.
That was a lesson I learned as God would let go just enough that I found myself floundering in the mud by my own efforts. How many times did I have to return to God in tears for my failures as a Christian! Yet, His mercy always was greater than my sin. Still, because of all those times; I learned that I am no better than the vilest of sinners, were it not for the indwelling presence of Christ in my life.
ALL AREAS OF LIFE
In every area of my life, I represent Christ. As wife, I represented Christ in every action of my life; sometimes, not very well. That is also true as mother, shopper, employee, volunteer, writer, patient and even when I am alone at home. Every thought, word or action of my life, I represent Christ and Christianity. First, I need to recognize that truth. Furthermore, I must pray for God’s wisdom, love and joy to fill my heart. Then, I must weigh my actions and guard my lips. At the end of each, I must confess my failures to God and ask that He use my stumbling steps to still create a straight path to Him. I must be willing to confess my frailties and seek forgiveness as soon as I realize I have hurt another by my action or words.
REPRESENTATIVE OF FAITH
As we grow in our faith, God sometimes sends horrific storms into our lives that test our trust in Him. Remember, these are sometimes God’s way of displaying Him to the world as they watch us calmly, patiently and even joyously face the storms in our life. Often, it is in what we think is our worst hour; that God uses us to show another lost pilgrim the way to Christ.
concluding tweets
[tweetthis]We represent to others who we say we are by our actions & words every day[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Every word or action of my life, I represent Christ to the world- Think before I speak or do” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Our actions & words can either confirm the negative preconceptions or change them for good” username=”effiedarlene”]
Photo by permission: https://unsplash.com/@joshnh The inscription I added
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.