The Monday Morning Debrief: You are always representing
Eleven years ago, I married the most beautiful girl in the world (don’t we all say that??). Well, I did and to this day my love for her is still the same. That is not to say that there hasn’t been up days and down days or up months and down months. I’m just saying that my love for and commitment to her is still the same as it was when we got married.
When we got married, I put on a ring to symbolize my commitment to her. Now, whether I keep the ring on or not, that does not change my status. Once I made that commitment in front of God and others, I am married man. It is not like Frodo in the Lord of the Rings who disappears everytime he puts on that ring. Whether the ring is on or not, I am a married man.
Even though the ring is only a symbol of my status, the only time I take off my ring is when I shower (and that is a rarity). If I go to the beach, I keep it on. If I play golf, I keep it on. If I go out with just my friends, I keep it on. Even though I’m married with or without it, I want everyone to know that I am married and I am committed to my wife.
Similarly, when you commit to serving the Lord in a ministry position, you are choosing to representing him at all times. It doesn’t matter if you are at a wedding with your non-christian friend where no one will see you – you are still a minister. It doesn’t matter if you are at the mall or on the basketball courts, you are still a minister. It doesn’t matter if you are having a hard time with a co-worker or a superior, you are still a minister and need to act according to the standard God has called you to.
When we commit our lives to Christ, we are called to a higher standard because everyone is watching us. However, when we become ministers for Christ, that standard is even higher and that means that whatever we say or do represents Christ. That’s part of the responsibility we carry when we choose to be a minister for Him. We are “on” 24/7. That doesn’t make it fair or easy, but it is what it is and this is the life we have chosen to lead as people in ministry.
So what do you think? TAKE A MINUTE and process this and post a comment about this topic. Do you agree, disagree or have an experience where you have seen representing Christ in your life or in the life of others as drawing people closer to Christ or further away? Share your experience so we can all learn from each other.
Saw your link on Twitter. I agree with you 100%, we always represent Christ. I do think, though, that if we have a "moment" of not representing Him well, we immediately have an opportunity to demonstrate humility and admit our wrong.
For example, I've lost my cool in the heat of competition and then been able to confess that to someone and ask their forgiveness. I think a lot of good things can come out of something like that.