Stand Out!

Athletes stand out at different games and meets by wearing the colors of their school or college. People with different clubs and organizations wear logos on their shirts that allow them to stand out. When we see certain colors or logos, we associate them with going to that school or working for that place. All of those individuals were standing out or representing their school or group. To represent means to have a certain identity and to serve as an example of. Now all of the individuals mentioned above should want to represent their business, school or organization well. Their behavior reflects that group. Based on what is seen, people may or may not want to be a part of that group, attend that school or eat at that particular restaurant. What about when it comes to representing for Jesus? Are we setting a good example for Him? If we were to ask people who knew us if we were a Christian, what would they say? Would they say yes immediately? Would they hesitate for a second and say maybe? Would they say sometimes they act like a Christian, but other times they don't? Would people even say no to the question when asked? Would they say they would never have thought that by the way they act? People should be able to answer yes immediately if we are Christians. If you haven't made that step to accept Jesus in your life, you can do so. Today is a good day to do so! All you have to do is say a prayer asking God to forgive you of your wrong and ask Him to come into your life and make you new (Romans 10:9-10, I Corinthians 15:3-4, II Corinthians 5:17). Once we are believers, our number one goal should be to please God at all times. We need to represent God well. We represent God in our words, actions and attitudes. These should draw people to want to know God, not turn away from Him. We have to constantly check ourselves daily to make sure we are pleasing God. We check ourselves by studying the Word of God and praying. God will show us just what we need to do or not do. He will help guide us the right way. The way we talk is powerful! Our words should represent God in that we speak good and positive things. We speak His Word. We speak His Word over ourselves, situations and others. We have to be careful what we say and how we say it. We have to use our words wisely at all times. The tone of voice can make all the difference in the world! Let's say kind words to others as it may be the only kind words they hear all day. Let's give sincere compliments to others. It may be the only compliment they hear all day. When we say hi to people, we are acknowledging them. Say hi to others as you may be the only person that has spoken to them all day. Not only do our words need to represent God, but so do our actions. We need to help people around us. We need to use good manners and be respectful. We need to work hard and do our best in everything. Be the best athlete, waitress/waiter, choir member, musician, son, daughter, wife, husband, student, co-worker, friend that you can be. Whatever you do, remember to represent God well. Our attitude as believers is important and should be one of gratitude and thankfulness. I know our circumstances are not always ideal and things don't always go the way we think they should, but we still have to be thankful. The fact that we are alive is something to be thankful for! Being mindful of our attitude will carry us a long way. So, every day, let's ask ourselves: Are we standing out for God? Do others see a difference in us or do we blend in with everyone else? Are we setting a good example for others? Do people want to know Jesus because of me or do they turn the other way? People are definitely watching us, even when we don't realize it! Most important, remember God is always watching us. How we represent God makes a difference. Just like we should want to represent our business, school, or group well, we should want to represent God well. So, let's represent God everywhere we go and in everything we do!

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9