Representing Jesus

I'll admit that I'm not the most cautious and kind driver around. I'm slightly more cautious and defensive when I'm driving with my kids, but generally I have one goal in mind - to get wherever I'm going. For me that sometimes means going through orange lights (yeah, the ones that aren’t quite yellow but not quite red either), safely passing someone driving slower than the speed limit, etc. You know my type, I’m sure.

A few years back, a student of mine gave me a car window decal from my alma mater. It’s still sitting in the same place today because I wasn’t sure I wanted to represent (or rather misrepresent) Taylor University by my sometimes poor style of driving. So I opted, in the best interest of the university, not to put it on my car. Eventually I did purchase a license plate holder with Taylor’s name across it because I truly am a proud and grateful graduate of Taylor, but I honestly don’t think it’s nearly as visible as a window decal would be. In short, I didn’t want my poor driving habits to cause others to have a negative reflection of Taylor University.

Paul opens verse 27 by requesting that the Philippian believers allow their behavior to be representative of the gospel of Christ Jesus – nothing more, nothing less. Whether in word or deed, with or without Paul amongst them, they were to make every effort to conduct themselves on earth as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). What did Paul envision for them? I think he continues on, explaining this behavior. First, he called them to “stand fast in one spirit.” Coupled with that, he desired that “with one mind [they would] strive together for the faith of the gospel.” Both of those pieces are crucial in creating unity, and unity is vital to proclaim, protect, and preserve something as precious as the gospel was to this group of Philippians. Paul called them to be a team and to work together in thought and in action to proclaim the gospel that they embraced. He desired that they cherish this message of Christ, promoting it by sharing it with others as well as protecting and preserving it in the face of opposition. Furthermore, a citizen of heaven would not fear the enemy, but face this foe with courage and strength from Christ as Paul did throughout his entire ministry. The believer in Christ, in light of eternity, has nothing to lose and redemption to gain in standing firm. The unbeliever – those opposing the gospel of Christ – has everything to lose, facing God’s judgment and subsequent destruction. Paul wanted the Philippians to be reminded of the reality that the attacks of those opposing the gospel were futile in the grand scheme of things.

Paul continues on in verse 29 with the reminder that believing in Christ and suffering for Him go hand in hand and are, in fact, a privilege given to us by Jesus Himself. I have struggled with gospel presentations that don’t give the whole picture – that make life in Christ seem all too simple. At the same time, it can be difficult to understand or to help others understand that suffering and struggling for Christ is a privilege. Jesus had to suffer in order to bring about our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), and he faced that suffering, the cross, with joy (Hebrews 12:2). Our particular struggles are purposeful indeed and often beyond our understanding. Scripture helps us recognize, in general, God’s purposes in our suffering. James 1:3-4 reminds us that “the testing of [our] faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that [we] may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” And Peter speaks to this as well in 1 Peter 1:6-7. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ …”

Yes, it would be a beautiful thing if we weren’t constantly marring the name of Jesus by being unfaithful representatives. Unbelievers will always have an opportunity to point out our weaknesses and failures – we aren’t perfect. Yet when we portray that we are perfect, or equally embarrassing, better than the unbeliever, we are disregarding the work of Christ, the only perfect one, who purchased us with an unparalleled price, His very life, so that we will one day be perfect. Our sanctification is a process in which we become holy or perfect – a process that will come to completion on the day we meet our Heavenly Father. Thus, we await perfection.

I don’t think it’s our holiness or lack thereof that attracts an unbeliever to Christianity. I think what may stir his/her interest, through the work and power of the Holy Spirit, is how we as believers respond to our own sin and the sins of our brothers and sisters. I think they are additionally interested in not only how we treat them, but also how we treat other unbelievers, particularly social outcasts.

So, yes, I could work on my driving a bit more, regardless if the Taylor University decal is hanging in the rear window of my car. I represent so much more than my alma mater – I represent Jesus Christ, and although I will fail, I have the privilege and opportunity to proclaim, protect, and preserve this gospel that I hold dear, whether in my car, in my home, in the grocery store – wherever. May God graciously grant us a passion and the strength to conduct ourselves in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. Amen!