Read: Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 12, and 2 Corinthians 5
I was at a convenience store recently, checking out at the register, when the cashier lifted an item from the counter and said, "I didn't even know we had these," before passing the item across the scanner and into the grocery bag. The cashier's comment stuck with me. By using the word "we," she inadvertently declared herself to be a representative of the store in which she works. Her language and behavior reflect that she is part of that organization. What do you represent? What do people learn about you in passing, day-to-day interactions?
Paul describes Christians as "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5). According to Paul, because Christ "died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." Therefore, our faith in Christ should be evident in how we live our lives, including how we say what we say and how we do what we do. We are part of the Christian church, members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). In his sermon on the mount, Jesus declared, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). How is your light shining today?
On the other side of the counter at the store, I hope that something about me revealed a Christian attitude or behavior. Patience, a smile, a kind word. A prayer, an invite to church, a "God bless you." We never know how some seemingly-small gesture could be perceived by someone else or how that gesture could affect another person's life.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for leading us to you as members of your church through our salvation in Jesus Christ. Please continue to lead us to be aware of how we reveal your love and light to those around us every day. We serve you, praise you, and ask for these blessings in Christ's name. Amen.
