Life + Billboard=Representation

Here's the thing...what we display to those around us is what we essentially say about ourselves and represent. "Your reputation proceeds you" has come to be one of my favorite quotes (quoted by my husband) because it's loaded with volumes of truth.  As Christians, it's easy to set up an actor's stage before others.  Those of you reading can agree that we see it all of the time, even participated in it at one point. When we get around a certain group (namely church family) we stuff ourselves into our "holy roller" suits and wear it well.  But the thing is, is that we have it misconstrued if we think we can fool people into thinking we represent something and we really don't. As a speaker said yesterday in   church, "we've perfected doing church but failed at representing church."  Because real church happens outside of the walls of the church building...at home, on the job, at the gas station, in school...I think you're getting my point.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.

We are what many people see outside of the walls of the organization of the church.  Some may never step within those walls...and what they see in our lives is what they will get. So many of us perfect lip service but fail miserably at living those words out.  Yes, we all fail because we're all naturally sinners...believers and nonbelievers alike.  However, what separates us, or what should separate us from nonbelievers is our determined effort to live, breathe, and have our being in Jesus Christ (Acts 17:28).

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Our lives are that billboard (representation).  What we do and how we do it displays the internal truth of our life.  The truth is, if the only reason we become Christians is to avoid hell...then...get ready for this...we might as well stop now, because we're only wasting our time.  I'm not bashing no one because I'm in the pool of the most jacked up.  However, I've committed my life, flaws, and all that I am to the Living God.  Though I may stumble, I choose to get up and continue living according to God's word.  Because again, my life is a billboard.

Our children.  Schoolmates.  Family.  Acquaintances.  Coworkers.  Strangers. Are all exposed to the unspoken message of what we represent.  Yes we are free in Christ, but we shouldn't allow our freedom to cause another person to stumble.  Let's make up in our minds that we will represent Christ to those around us as best as we can!  Be blessed!

Romans 14:13  So let's stop condemning each other.  Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.