Who Do You Represent?

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17 TNIV

We find this mind-blowing statement within a section on how to live in harmony with our Christian brothers and sisters. I call it mind-blowing, because if I could truly live every day according to this statement, my life would be a much more powerful illustration of God's love than it is now.

What does it mean to do something in the name of Jesus? It can mean doing it in His authority, His power, committing the action to Him, doing it for His glory, and also what I wish to highlight; doing it as His representative. If a solicitor does something in the name of a client, they do what their client has instructed them to do; what they would want them to do, on their behalf. The New Living Translation puts it this way: "whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus".

Think about that: Everything we do, whether in words or actions, we are called to represent Jesus, doing what He would want us to do, doing what He himself would do if in our position. Paul writes "whatever you do"! As in, everything! Every word I say, therefore, and everything I do, should be done by me as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ (since we as Christians are his ambassadors, representatives of the Kingdom of God in the world).

The first things that come to my mind are the times when I have said or done things that have hurt others, or that have misrepresented who God is and what He is like. Every time I have not spoken in love and selflessness, I have done wrong to the name of the Kingdom of God. This Scripture is a reminder that people are watching everything I do, and so I must do my best (with the power of the Holy Spirit) to reflect the character of God. Returning to the theme of unity, the way I treat others must always be how Christ would want me to treat them; with love, patience, forgiveness, and grace.

But have you considered the flip side of "in His name"? As Christ's representatives, we are called (in response to God's leading) to take action in the world for the Kingdom of God. Partnering with God, we are called to make a change - and Jesus will work through us, transforming hearts, lives, families, communities, and nations. Being a Christian is not just about what we don't do, but it's about the good things that we also do, as we, following our God, become His vessel for making a difference in other people's lives. How exciting!

What can we do today in Jesus' name to make a difference? Perhaps today, in His name, we will share what we have with a needy person. Or perhaps we will show kindness in His name to someone who is hurting. Whatever it is, God is at work in the world. Will you join Him?

Lighten the Load

"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him..."

Philippians 3:7-9 TNIV

I've had this Scripture going around in my head for days. Paul incorporates so many powerful metaphors into his discussion about becoming right with God through faith in Christ, and not through human effort.

One is a financial metaphor - whatever he thought would profit him before (such as his status as a Pharisee, his Jewish lineage, his good effort, and so on), he now considers a loss. They cannot put him right with God; they do in fact restrict a person's freedom if the person puts their trust in them.

Another is a rubbish metaphor - that compared to the greatness of knowing Christ, everything else is worthless trash, to be thrown out. Almost like a ship that is weighed down with unneeded or useless cargo, these things must be thrown overboard if we are to truly be found in Christ.

This gets me thinking. Have I truly lost all things for the sake of Christ? Or do I still put too much value on my good reputation, my giftings, my skills, or others' opinions? Because truly denying oneself to follow Christ means that we throw everything overboard to take hold of Christ and be saved through Him alone; no thing nor person is as important to us as Jesus.

With this in mind, if I truly consider all things rubbish compared to knowing Christ, then I will use my gifts differently. If I preach, it is to serve the church, not to prove that I am highly gifted or to make myself look good. If I teach, it is to help others to understand the Word of God better, not to show how much I know.

If others criticize me as I serve the body of Christ, or if I feel unappreciated, I let bitterness and resentment die at the cross of Christ, because I am serving him, and the praises of man mean nothing to me.

What a challenge! What do I need to 'throw overboard' today in order to trust in Christ alone?

Mission Accomplished

I have spent the last two weeks helping to run a kids' holiday outreach program as part of a team of roughly 25 people. It was exhausting for one as 'old' as myself, but it was highly enjoyable and well worth the effort.

Some really amazing things happened - God was working powerfully in the lives of the children and families we met at the program. At least two unsaved families decided they would like to join a church, and many children decided they would like to become friends with Jesus. Quite a few kids asked for Bibles and loved reading them (it was so good to see kids excited about reading the Word of God). We saw God change the hearts of many people, including ourselves, bringing such joy and peace in the midst of some difficult life circumstances.

I personally was very happy with the growth I saw in the team members. Not only did they grow in their ability to share their faith with others, but also in their love for and intimacy with God.

I'm dead tired today, but very satisfied and overjoyed at what has happened.