“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
– Matthew 6:19-21

There is a common expression from parents, teachers, and even bosses; especially before big gatherings, competitions, or presentations: Remember who you represent.  They’re usually referring to behavior or performance, and they’re really saying, “Don’t embarrass me.”  Because they know if there’s a problem, it’s reflecting on their reputation.

Since our larger family has started doing more outreach and direct ministry through Sanctuary Family Farms, this concept has taken on a whole new life.  When I’m out and about, I try to be very aware that I represent not only the people that I love, but more importantly Christ, whether I want to or not.

This can become pretentious or arrogant if I only do it as an act when I think others are watching.  If I want to truly represent Christ, I must choose to actually refine my thoughts and mature in my responses to everyone all the time, not just the people I am ‘ministering’ to at the moment.  Instead of rushing through my day to get things done so that I can go do my ‘nice things,’ I am trying to remember that how I go about each task in preparation is a representation of Christ as well.

When my kids have a question that I’ve answered 10 times just today, do I try to understand them, or do I ignore them?  When I’m frustrated, do I lash out against the people around me, or do I stop and remember that it is not my day to start with?  Christ can raise people from the dead (John 11:43-44), teleport people (Acts 8:39), and even make the sun stand still (Joshua 10:12-13).  If He wanted my day to go differently, He would have arranged it.

When I do stop and remember that the day is not mine, it gives the responsibility to Christ.  It allows me to stop trying to represent myself, get things done on time, and maintain things that I am not able to maintain.  If I’m partnered with Him, and He’s given me the job, He’s given me the tools to work beside Him and in Him, and that’s all I need (Acts 17:28).

This takes the spotlight and pressure off of me, and it allows me to relax and trust in Him.  In this, I get to see Him coordinate and work things out that were far beyond my expectations, plans, or abilities.  I become His partner or helpmate.  When I continue to push forward, only representing myself, my mood gets worse as the day goes on.  I get tired, and every person I interact with seemingly becomes more and more annoying with each minute.

I’m not sure what the final to do list of my life is, but I do know that it is not up to me.  God has placed me here for a planned amount of time to choose to either join Him in His work or not.  It doesn’t matter what I choose, everything around me will rot and crumble – every building, every plant, every road, every barn.  All things physical, even our bodies, are temporary (Isaiah 40:8; Ecclesiastes 9).

If you want to make lasting changes in your life and the lives of the ones around you, teach them about Christ, but more importantly, live like Christ.  Be that example for them that they want to mimic, even more so when you think no one is watching and you’re tired, rushed, or physically hurting.  I know my children would quickly tell you of how often I fail to do this, but I pray they also see how often I get back up, with a changed perspective, so that I can show them the Christ I know.

So as you go about your day, don’t forget that more than any organization you are a member of, first and foremost, you represent Christ if you believe with your heart and have confessed with your mouth (Romans 10:9-10).  Because of this commitment, others are watching and either trying to decide if they want to make the same commitment or if they want to continue to walk only for themselves.  You have a responsibility.  Don’t misrepresent Him.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16

– Written by Kati

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