Those wearing a military uniform, or any type of uniform for that matter, can bring either credit or discredit to their service or company by the way they behave and conduct themselves. Others will judge not only the individual by their actions, but the entity or organization represented by the uniform they wear.
As disciples of Christ, we wear the name of Christ His uniform, if you will. Wearing the name Christian includes many privileges (Eph 1:3), but also brings with it great responsibility. The way we conduct ourselves before others will bring either honor or dishonor to the Lord we serve. This is why we are exhorted to do all to the glory of God in whatever we do (1 Cor 10:31).
The end result of all that we think, say and do should bring honor and glory to God.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mt 5:16). This is to be lived out during the ordinary routine of everyday life. Again, the way we react to challenging, troublesome circumstances, or the way we respond to unkind, difficult people means a lot in God's sight. Little things really do matter, and our loving Father sees it all (Pr 15:3). A disapproving scowl, a harsh reply, a critical attitude, an uncooperative spirit, an inconsiderate response and many other seemingly small incidental things that occur during our busy days, all send clear and powerful messages to those around us.
At stressful times as these, we need to remember who we are. We are children of God (1 Jn 3:1-3), saved by the precious blood of Christ (Col 1:13-14). We are new creations (2 Cor 5:17) who, by the grace of God (Eph 2:8), have had our sins washed away by the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16; 1 Cor 6:11; 1 Jn 1:7), and been raised to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4). Although we live in the world, we are not to behave like those of the world (1 Jn 2:15-17). "That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph 4:22-24).
When difficult people around us, or the burdensome issues of life begin to test our faith, let us remember who we are. And let us strive to be "a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work!" (2 Tim 2:21).
Terry Schmidt
02-04-18
