Smile when I can’t find what I’m looking for when the associate is unaccommodating. Be kind when someone jumps in front of me because they assume their time is more important. And say “Have a nice day” to the person taking my food order when they act as if they could care less if I patronize their restaurant. All because I’m donning a cheap cotton t-shirt with a church logo.
But I suppose my actions and reactions are crucial. After all, my church’s reputation is at risk. Someone could stay away if I report their poor customer service skills to the manager or threaten never to shop there again. Or worse yet, if I act like a jerk, utter an explicative, or lose my cool and stomp away in a rage.
Disgracing my church is really the lesser issue; shaming Christ is at stake. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
I’m not only clothed in the church’s shirt; I’m dressed with Christ. And since I’m baptized in him, I represent him everywhere I go. I can’t shed him when I tire of trying to be good. I may imagine aggravating people can’t read my mind so not to worry, but they do through every action, thought and attitude.
We are Christ’s shirts, and only he can give wisdom and power to wear him well. To be kind when we’d rather be unkind, share when we feel stingy, and love when revenge is more enticing. Paul says it best; Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, may our clothing be sprayed with the starch of kindness.
Great thoughts, Martin.
ReplyDeleteAs an unbeliever, I was a waitress and we had a saying that you could always count on "teachers and preachers" leaving you no tip or a small tip. From my experience it proved true, and I wonder how many waitresses have formed opinions about Christ because of these situations. I know that there are exceptions (and I know you're one)but it's a sad statement that these preachers didn't realize they were building a reputation in Christ's name.
And to my own discredit, there have been times I've been complaining about something in English to a friend on a Budapest tram only to have the person next to us begin speaking English. And then I realize what a bad impression I gave of an American and a Christian.
Thanks for this good reminder that we wear Christ everywhere we go.
Gail
It's not always easy to do the "right" thing and sometimes we think we have to stand up for our own personal "rights". But I'm reminded that when I surrendered my heart to the Lord, my rights have been also been surrendered to Him. To Him alone be the glory!!
ReplyDeleteIn His Lo♥e, Ann