Representing Jesus in the World

 As Christians who make up the Church, the family of God, we represent Jesus Christ on the earth. We are his "ambassadors." God is making His appeal to the lost through us. His appeal is that He wishes that "none would perish but all would come to repentence." God wants everyone to believe in Jesus Christ and be saved, and He is using each one of us to make this happen. He is making His appeal through all of us.

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

[20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

Having said that, Paul gives some ways to represent Jesus in the book of Romans and Titus. Although I want to mainly focus on the book of Titus.

In Romans he gives a simple sentence that is the springboard for the rest of this blog entry: 

Romans 12:17b. NIV

[17b.]...Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 

This dictates how we will represent Jesus Christ in our lives. 

Now, let's get a little more specific in the book of Titus:

Titus 2:11-12 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

He says to do this while we wait for Jesus to come back in verses 13 and 14. He tells us to teach these things in verse 15. 

So, first off, say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. Next, to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives now in our everyday lives. Okay let's move on:

Titus 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, [2] to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

This says be law-abiding citizens, be obedient, always be ready to do whatever is good, don't be negative or "toxic" and don't talk bad to or about people. Always be peaceful, considerate, and gentle to everyone.

Next, he reminds us how we were saved. It says:

Titus 3:3-7 NIV

[3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

Having said that, he says for us to be devoted to doing what is good, because these things are good for everybody in verses 8-9.

Lastly he says:

Titus 3:9 NIV

[9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 

So, representing Jesus Christ in our lives, let's focus on doing good and being good to all people, doing what is right in the eyes of everybody. Don't argue, fuss and fight with others, but live in peace and love with all people. All the aforementioned things are how we can represent Jesus well through our lives. There are other things in the New Testament, but this is a good place to start. 

Share with others please!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post