Representing Christ in the Everyday

Reflection

There are some days where I am plum tired. There are also days where, let’s face it, my flesh says you don’t want to do anything. It is on these days where I cannot do my best. And maybe I think it’s not hurting anyone, but it does. Because I am failing to realize that I am representing Christ.

I’m not saying it is wrong to be tired. Sometimes we push ourselves too much. But being tired does not mean we stop being His.

Or maybe someone cuts us off in traffic and we have a few choice words for them. You think, I don’t know them and they don’t know me, so I can just have at it. But what if someone who knows you is in the car behind you? Or your child hears your reaction? Or the habit of reacting that way shapes your heart little by little?

Colossians 3:17 brings everything into focus. Whatsoever you do in word or deed. That covers conversations, attitudes, work, reactions, and even the small unnoticed moments. We are doing it in the name of the Lord Jesus.

There were many times in my life where I had to remind myself that I was working for the Lord, especially when maybe a boss was being difficult or someone was mistreating me. Should I do the same? Should I strike back? Or should I respond in a way that brings honor to Christ?

It does not have to be big or serious parts of our life like work. Maybe it is small things. Your spouse is a little on the sloppy side and you are tired of them making messes, so you say, I’m not going to pick up another sock. Or you ignore someone because you feel unappreciated. Or you do something with a complaining heart instead of a thankful one.

And then there is the part about thanksgiving. We often think of thanks in big blessings, but even in daily responsibilities we can give thanks to God by how we do them. We do not take these moments for granted.

One morning I woke up to a side of my face not being able to move. You don’t realize that to speak clearly you need all parts of your facial muscles to work together. It was at that moment I realized how even the smallest things we overlook are gifts from God. The ability to speak, to work, to serve, to respond well. All of it is grace.