Bearing the Name of Christ

Have you ever been on the road and the car ahead of you can’t figure out how to use their turning signal? Or maybe someone cuts you off on the highway, making you slam on the brakes.

And then you see it–the out-of-state license plate. That explains everything.

When we’re on the road, there are very few things other drivers know about us. But they do know one thing–what state we’re coming from. For a brief period of time, we are the representatives of that state, and other drivers might make assumptions about our state based on how we drive.

As Christians, we bear a much more significant name. We are Jesus’ representatives on earth when we identify as Christian.

In fact, we might even be someone’s first experience with Jesus.

Let’s pause here for a moment.

We aren’t expected to be perfect simply because we bear Jesus’ name. However, we should hold ourselves to higher standards because we understand the impact we might have on others. We should be actively pursuing God’s will for our lives, which means growing in godly character and love for our neighbors.

But how are we supposed to go about doing this?

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

The first step is remembering what God has already done for us and praising Him. He created us because He loves us. And even when we fell short of His glory, He gave us His Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Therefore, we must love and forgive others, even when it’s difficult.

The second step is asking God for help. He is all-powerful, fully capable of equipping and strengthening us to do His will. We won’t be able to love others well on our own.

Therefore, we must spend time with God each day and seek counsel from His Word and His people. We aren’t meant to do life alone.

The third step is seeking out opportunities to serve others. Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He commanded His disciples to go forth and create more disciples. This means going outside your comfort zone and serving people in your community.

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

Why would Jesus encourage us to do this?

Because there are so many people wandering the earth in despair, carrying the burden of their sin and shame on their shoulders. There are people throwing their lives away by chasing after temporary satisfaction. And there are Christians who feel hopeless because they’ve been hurt by other believers who haven’t bore the name of Christ with honor.

Today, I challenge you to go out into your community and pretend like you’re wearing a shirt that says, “I am a follow of Jesus.” (Bonus points if you’re actually wearing that shirt.) Consider how you might act differently knowing that the first thing people will know about you is that you’re a Christian.

Will you be slower to speak and quicker to listen? Will you use gentler language and exercise more patience? Will you reach out to someone who seems lonely or left out?

God has wonderful plans for you. It’s okay–normal, even–if you mess up along the way. His grace is sufficient for that.

What matters is that you’re following God’s call on your life, relying on His strength and not your own.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:27