2020 has been quite the year—and we’re only halfway through. A global pandemic, an extended lockdown, economic devastation, civil unrest, deep political division, the list goes on. And don’t even get me started on the murder hornets. Yet we’re still called to represent Jesus well no matter our current life situation.
How We’re Called to Behave as Christians
It’s clear that the last several months have been a monumental struggle for most. Grieved and grieving, panicked and fearful; people are looking for answers, desperate for something or someone to blame for the trauma and turmoil they have experienced. I can’t be the only one whose social media feeds have been inundated with harsh, divisive comments and conversations as people from all ends of the political, social, and religious spectrum weigh in on current events, creating deep and lasting divides between the very people we, as Christians, are called to reach…and love.
This, however, is exactly the opposite of how we are called represent Jesus. As Paul implores the church in Philippians 1:27 (ESV): “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
Whatever happens. Even when we’re facing an onslaught of unimaginable circumstances? Even when we’re fearful about what the future will hold for ourselves, for our family, and for our nation? Even when we’re angry, antagonized, and convinced that we are right? Even then, Paul says “…so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27, ESV).
Representing Jesus to Advance God’s Kingdom
Our mission is clear:
- To represent Jesus well
- To bear witness to the abundant, overwhelming goodness, grace, mercy, and love of the God that we worship in everything that we say and do
- To offer a heavenly alternative to the dissatisfying, unfulfilling worldly diet of fear, loneliness, hopelessness, and despair
- To spread the aroma of Christ in such a way that the gospel is advanced and God’s kingdom made known; whatever happens
It’s a big ask. Especially when our circumstances may not be conducive to an all-singing, all-dancing demonstration of God’s goodness and love; when our hearts are burdened, our souls heavy, and gratitude is not tripping off our tongue.
Our Mission of Unity and Love
So we have to dig deep, clinging to the promises and truth of God’s Word like never before. Only then, rooted in Him, fixing our eyes on our eternal hope, are we able to stand firm, united with our brothers and sisters in Christ on a mission of unity and love, to save the lost and bring hope to a broken, desperate world.
As we continue to walk through this season of hardship and uncertainty, let’s all consider to what degree we are representing Jesus well and advancing the Gospel of Christ—in our marriages, our relationships, our workplaces, our communities, and yes, even in our social media feeds. It is our great commission after all—whatever happens.
