I’ve been thinking recently, dangerous I know… Bear with me on this because what I’ve been thinking about may leave you as bemused as I have been. When I was younger, I wore slogan t-shirts-the ultimate personal statement and walking adverts for whatever or whoever you like.
Now, there’s Jewelry, coffee mugs, notebooks; you name it, it has a slogan. Most of this is innocuous and just what it says it is: advertising. As a believer, I’m not sure just how this fits into what I understand and believe about God and His Word.
Does God want, need, or approve of our blazoning announcements claiming “God is my co-pilot”, “WWJD”, “Peter’s bait and tackle shop-we are fishers of men”, etc. ? Or has our focus become trivialized? And, if so, has that trivialized our faith? Watered it down so to speak; given us a crutch to excuse the lack of a verbal witness?
The more I read in Scripture, the more I begin to think about how we represent Him to others; and the more I begin to think, the more I wonder about how our culture fits into His design for us. I’ve worn the t-shirts that proclaimed my belief. I thought at the time that I was making a statement of who I am and what I believe. Not once did those shirts spark up an interest from the public to ask me about them – an interaction involving a verbal witness to another person did not occur. I was a “silent” witness, but a walking advert.
BUT, being myself and being the best reflection of Christ to a fallen world that I can be is easier said than done. Putting on those shirts, carrying a mug or notebook, sticker on the car- we all can do those things. However, being an intentional, walking, talking reflection of Jesus….
News flash, Nancy- if I claim to be a Christian, I am already reflecting Jesus to the world whether I realize it or not.
OUCH
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians said this: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27a
Earlier in chapter one, he also said the following in reference to the news that there were people out there pretending to be Christians, I suppose, to get attention:
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Philippians 1:18
There’s the answer to my original question, one that I was not actively looking for, but God supplied. Regardless of how or why Jesus is presented to the world He will take care of how it’s received. In other words, MYOB, God will protect His Name. So there it is, course correction required. Stop with the critical thinking already, Nancy, and start living!
Reflect Jesus to the world and He will be glorified!
more to come on this…