Represent

Last Sunday, I was teaching my kiddos a lesson about "Secret Servants", people who do good without expecting any rewards or recognition, simply because it's what God says is right. The memory verse was one I know I've heard a billion times in my life, but it hit me in a new way:

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17, NLT)

We're not told to simply do all things for God, but representing God. Just as an ambassador for a country travels the world representing their home country, we represent our true home, the Kingdom of God. The ambassador is seen as typical of what people from that area are like. They are known for making decisions that best benefit their home country. They are the only glimpse of that country some people may see. The same is true for all believers.

In the words of my Pastor from a sermon this week, "You don't work for God, you work with God." God doesn't call us servants, but friends (John15:15). He lets us in on His plan and encourages us to use our gifts with His resources to effect change in our world.

So the question becomes, who are you representing with your words and actions? Would people be surprised to learn you are a Christian based on the 'you' they see everyday? Or do your actions express your passion for Christ?

As I shared last week, this month is Compassion Blog Month! I just keep getting more and more excited about this! Sponsoring a child is such an easy, rewarding way to represent Christ. (Note: This post didn't start as a plot to talk about Compassion. It just happened that way. Sponsorship is obviously not the only way to represent God in your life. It's just one.) For the price of one meal out, you can change the life of a child forever. The money will help send that child to school, provide clothes, healthy food, medical care, and everything needed to help that child grow and thrive! Plus, your sponsorship will open doors for you and your family to connect with another person and family that you may never have met otherwise. There are so many positives, there are really no negatives!

I just bought a birthday present for my Compassion child on their website, and this is what waited on the confirmation page:
Thank You Sponsors! from Compassion International on Vimeo.

How great is that! Made me smile like a dork. So if you're not a sponsor and want to have this kind of impact, head over to Compassion's website to make a difference in the life of a child!

Most of us will have no problem sparing the $38 each month. That's less than $10 a week. A lot of people spend more than that on coffee each week. But maybe you truly don't have it in your budget. Or maybe you're a child or teen yourself, and can't come up with that kind of money. If that's you, I have a suggestion. Find a friend (or two) and sponsor a child together! I even know of several classes that sponsor a child as a group. You all still benefit, and this child now knows that several people love and pray for them! I challenge you to take another look at how you spend your money, and see if you can help one of these children in need.