Representing God, Armor of God, Shining Light, Strength

Representing God

When preparing for the day, the most important thing we can wear is the expression on our face. Are we cheerful at heart? Are we ready to represent?

If you want to represent the Lord... And I mean REALLY represent... You have to understand that going to Church, reading the Bible, spending time in prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit are all still just training for our ultimate purpose. Like a sport, this is all practice time as we learn and prepare.

GAME TIME is when we enter the World and interact with those who are unaware of the Scriptures. The World is the devil's arena, and for Christians it can be adverse and alienating at times.

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own;

but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,

therefore, the world hates you." - John 15:19 (ESV)

Mankind is fortunately made in God's multidimensional image which means our souls are eternal. This aspect separates us from all other species on Earth while creating our higher intelligence which makes us all extremely valuable in God's eyes. Because of this, our lives are a test of faith in God's glory and a test of our compassion towards each other. This reality gives every Christian a greater calling beyond their own self-interest.

We now have an obligation to help the spiritually lost gain a new perspective that includes eternity.

All Christians will face temptation. Everything we see, hear, smell, taste and touch has the potential to affect us in very negative ways. Bad influences can easily waste our time, lead us astray, affect our judgement and eventually determine our habits.

This means that there are two categories of Christians:

The first, are those who are still maturing and are more likely to give in to discomfort or temptation.

The second, are those who become seasoned veterans, who can be surrounded by hardship and temptation; and will still be able to make the right choice; thus, setting a good example to the lost.

Once we finally mature and put aside our old ways of the World, we are truly ready to represent. Until we are ready, patience is a virtue!

Growing with Support

Until a Christian has the fortitude to be able to fellowship with those with bad habits and beliefs and remain Godly, they need to avoid these people until they are strong enough to represent God in a proper manner. We must gravitate and fellowship with those who we can learn from and those who will not lead us into compromising situations. This is why prayer, studying the Bible and fellowship with believers is so critical.

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up,

just as you are doing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

To maintain a close relationship with God, we have to put aside our old ways of doing things. Until we have the fortitude to be in the World, but not consumed by the World, we must be very cautious.

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?

Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” - 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

As we are reminded in both 1st and 2nd Corinthians, the apostle Paul had to first gain the capability to overcome people who were a negative influence before he could then have the perseverance to truly represent Christ. It is important that we are honest with ourselves in such matters because we will often end up in situations where we are contributing to ungodly lifestyles and belief systems.

“Walk with the wise and become wise,

for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

- Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)

Acquiring the Armor of God

Living with moral integrity, always displaying kindness and having the strength to say no in the face of temptation can be a process that takes time… But as we grow stronger, we will gradually acquire the proverbial “armor of God”.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,

against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,

against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God,

that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,

and having done all, to stand firm.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,

and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

and, as shoes for your feet,

having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,

with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God,” - Ephesians 6:10-17 (ESV)

Every person is unique as we all have our different strengths and weaknesses. Everybody who continues to sincerely seek the truth is a member of the body of Christ and will be inspired and developed accordingly.

As the bible teaches, we are preparing ourselves to be the bride of Christ. Like a bride for a groom, we, the Church, are preparing for our eternal spiritual marriage with Christ, the sacrificial Lamb, who has already died and paid the price for our sins.

"Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;" - Revelation 19:7 (ESV)

Become a Shining Light

We should be an example by being a shining light to those we encounter. A bright light is used as a guide so we can find our way. We, as representatives of Christ, need to do the same for those around us. In a world with so many distractions, so much fear and deceit, it is up to us to be a light for our society.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand,

and it gives light to all in the house” - Matthew 5:14-15 (ESV)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

- Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

We must realize that our actions speak louder than words. Our behavior when facing adversity and the complexities with life will set a great example to those who do not understand God's love and the wisdom of the Scriptures. No one can force another to change their views on life, our society or universal truths. By showing love and honoring God through our kind words and actions, our works will bear greater fruit in helping others to understand.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,

just as in Christ, God forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

“For though I am free from all men,

I have made myself a servant to all that I might win the more …”

1 Corinthians 9:19 (NKJV)

Communicating starts with building honest relationships. We must always be a positive role model, patient and encouraging. In time, our honesty and compassion will tear down barriers and mistrust. Our blameless nature will make the best example for all to see.

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted,

help the weak, be patient with them all.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to open their heart and mind to God's glory and endless grace. Once this occurs and the individual begins to pursue a genuine relationship with the Lord, the Holy Spirit will expose the logic and wisdom of the Word, transforming the hearts and minds of the lost.

“And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” - Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,

he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

- John 14:26 (ESV)

The direction and wisdom gained from the Holy Spirit is an amazing gift from God. Learning to listen to this guidance often arrives from your inner barometer, known as the human conscience.

Charity and Giving to Others

Giving is a natural expression of love and can come in many ways. We can offer our time, our resources, our knowledge or maybe our love. Jesus is the ultimate example of giving as He existed in heaven before He willingly was born on Earth to eventually be persecuted and crucified.

"For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me,

not to do my own will."

- John 6:38 (NLT)

The Bible encourages charity as a reflection of God’s generosity, who has already provided mankind the gift of life as well as the gift of eternal salvation. As Christians we have an important heavenly obligation to show love and compassion to others as an act of trust in God’s provision.

There are many reasons to give. One of the most immediate reasons is that it brings joy to our own hearts as a sense of an accomplishment in serving a higher purpose other than our own self interests.

We can take pride in supporting the needy while demonstrating our spiritual devotion which will also result in future spiritual blessings as God appreciates and rewards cheerful giver.

"You must each decide in your heart how much to give.

And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

- 2 Corinthian 9:7 (NLT)

In many ways offering compassion and giving generously to the poor or the lost at heart is viewed as a loan to God, which He promises to repay. The Bible explains the logic of charity since life is fleeting as earthly possessions are temporary, while heaven is forever.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

- Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

The bible references how our hard work can bring earthly treasures which will allow us to have more to give. The development of the character of God in our lives is an ongoing process of spiritual growth. A good analogy is that it takes time and nurturing for a crop to produce fruit.

"Remember this... A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop.

But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop."

- 2 Corinthian 9:6 (NLT)

Life usually has a way of working itself out to where the more we give, the more we will normally receive in return. If we don’t like what we are getting out of our lives, we need to look at what we are giving. We must realize that giving to others is actually the same as giving to Jesus.

"Give freely and become more wealthy;
be stingy and lose everything."

- Proverbs 11:24 (NLT)

Faith, giving and our money are all intertwined… If God can’t trust us with little, how can He trust us with more? Giving is rooted in grace and the power of God released in our lives.

As Christians we should make a conscious effort to be good stewards. Every single day, the most important thing we can wear is the expression on our face. A friendly smile or a sincere greeting is how we make a good first impression and how relationships normally begin.

Ultimately, after we pass away and return to the dust of the earth, our legacy will not be judged by our personal accomplishments but by our good deeds and the fruit it bears in serving others.