Ephesians 4:1,2 (NKJV) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
My truck is adorned in signage for Back 40 Archery. It is an extension of my company. People see my truck and, more than they see me, they see my business. When I’m driving around in my truck, I’m very mindful of that fact. I do my very best to portray a positive image, to maintain a code of conduct, so as to not cause any damage to my company’s image. If I were to cut someone off, lose my temper and rage or do anything else that was less than cordial and professional, it would damage my company’s image and reputation. So, I try to behave accordingly.
As I pondered this understanding with myself, my thoughts took a detour. In my truck, or car, signage or not, walking, working, recreating or whatever is occupying my time, as a christian man, a vocal, professed follower of Christ, I’m riding in His truck. By making this profession public, I have hung His sign on my windows as well.
II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
People who know me, know that I profess “to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). I am one of His representatives for as long as He’ll have me tread this earth. Figuratively speaking, I’m riding around with His sign on my truck. When I do something unsavory, more than they see me, the people who witness my bad behavior, see His signage. My conduct reflects more profoundly on His image and reputation than my own.
In my truck, I feel compelled to behave at a certain standard, because of what I represent, Back 40 Archery. In life, I need to be even more mindful of Who I represent and be compelled to behave accordingly.
Jesus Christ has done profound work in my heart and, consequently, my life is different because of it. I want to be a positive ambassador, to let this change be evident to those who come within my sphere of influence. Ask yourself, as I find myself asking, when people see me driving around in His truck is what they are seeing appealing? Do they see me as a quality illustration of the transforming power of Jesus, or just another religious hypocrite? Unfortunately, I can recall instances in which I would not like the answers to those questions. Thankfully, His grace is endless. Therefore, with a grateful heart and in utter humility I repent and strive to be more mindful of the impact of my actions on His image.
Have a blessed weekend!
I Peter 2:1-5 (NKJV) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
