“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:12–13 NLT)

 

What if every Christian lived as you live? What if you were the sole representative of Jesus Christ on this earth? Would there be enough gospel in your life for people to believe? Enough saltiness to stimulate in them a thirst? Enough light for them to find their way out of the darkness and put their faith in Jesus Christ?

That may seem like a farfetched scenario, but there are people whose exposure to the Christian faith is limited to the negative stereotypes they see in the media.

If you don’t step into the role and embrace the idea of representing and modeling the Christian faith, you give other people the chance to do it. People with ulterior motives. People who have reason to misrepresent the Christian faith. That’s how negative stereotypes get traction.

Of course, even in the face of negative stereotypes you have an opportunity to shine a light and show what genuine faith looks like. Titus 3:2 says believers “must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone” (NLT). First Peter 3:16 says, “Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ” (NLT). And Jesus says in Matthew 5:11–12, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven” (NLT).

The opportunities are endless. As a believer, every situation you find yourself in, every interaction you have with someone else, and every choice you make in the way you conduct yourself has the potential to leave a lasting impression on someone else. The way you represent Christ may be the push someone else needs to begin a relationship with Him.

In Philippians 2:12, the apostle Paul says, “Work hard to show the results of your salvation” (NLT). In verses 14–18, he explains how to do it. “Do everything without complaining and arguing” (verse 14 NLT). “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God” (verse 15 NLT). “Hold firmly to the word of life” (verse 16 NLT). “You should rejoice” (verse 18 NLT).

If you’re a believer, you’re a representative of Christ. There’s no getting around it. Whether you like it or not, the way you live will factor into people’s attitude toward the Christian faith. Embrace the opportunity. Show people the life-changing power of a relationship with Christ. Give them a thirst for God’s truth. Be the light they need in this increasingly dark world.

 

Reflection Question: How can you become a more powerful and influential representative of Jesus Christ?

Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

—

Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast

Become a Harvest Partner

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.