Have you ever seen a company vehicle with their logo on the side? Many times the bumper will have a phone number and the question "how am I driving ?" I don't think the owner of the company is necessarily concerned with feedback from everyone on the road. Instead, the primary purpose of that sticker is accountability for the driver.
The driver needs to be reminded that they are representing something bigger than themselves! When that driver gets in his/her personal vehicle and cuts someone off, it only reflects that individual. When that same person gets into the vehicle with the company name plastered to the side, their driving suddenly affects the image of the entire company. Passers-by will judge the company's credibilitynd reliability based on how he or she drives the vehicle. This places a ton of responsibility on the individual driving.
In the same way, as Christians, we represent something bigger than ourselves. We are representing God and His Kingdom. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells those listening, "You are the light of the World, let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven."
The above verse points to two things. First, we are representing God! How we act may form an opinion of God in the minds of others. You might have heard the saying, "we may be the only bible some people read." Do your actions match up with the view of God you want to portray?
Second, Matthew 5:16 points out the proper motivation behind good works. This time of year people are in a generous mood. I tend to give and help others more in December than any other month. The temptation many of us have is to give for personal gain or recogniton. I fight the temptation to do good works in order to 1) give a good opinion of myself to others or 2) to avoid a negative opinion from others. These are selfish motives.
As Christians, our motivation needs to be bringing glory to God! We are representing God. How are you doing?Ghandi is often quoted saying something like, "I like your Christ but your Christians look nothing like your Christ." The question needs to be asked, is this me?
Blessings,
Jeremy
In the same way, as Christians, we represent something bigger than ourselves. We are representing God and His Kingdom. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells those listening, "You are the light of the World, let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven."
The above verse points to two things. First, we are representing God! How we act may form an opinion of God in the minds of others. You might have heard the saying, "we may be the only bible some people read." Do your actions match up with the view of God you want to portray?
Second, Matthew 5:16 points out the proper motivation behind good works. This time of year people are in a generous mood. I tend to give and help others more in December than any other month. The temptation many of us have is to give for personal gain or recogniton. I fight the temptation to do good works in order to 1) give a good opinion of myself to others or 2) to avoid a negative opinion from others. These are selfish motives.
As Christians, our motivation needs to be bringing glory to God! We are representing God. How are you doing?Ghandi is often quoted saying something like, "I like your Christ but your Christians look nothing like your Christ." The question needs to be asked, is this me?
Blessings,
Jeremy
