FROM THE PASTOR
July 8, 2018
Connie and I was shopping at Cabalas in Grand Rapids on Saturday (there’s no surprise, huh?). As we left, several young people pushed their way ahead of us as we were exiting. This isn’t the first time I’ve noticed the lack of manners and commented so to Connie as we left. Not loud enough so the kids could hear me but, loud enough to draw Connie’s attention to my observation.
I would have never thought of doing such a thing as a youth. My folks taught me to respect my elders, be polite to women and be courteous to those around me. In fact, I still open the house door for Connie and allow her to enter a room first. I still walk on the road side of her on the sidewalk even through there are no horses and puddles to splash her. And I make sure she is always seated first at a restaurant. Always have… always will. Yet, somewhere along the line this has become a lost trait. It reflects poorly on the offender.
I believe that our manners are a reflection of 1) who we are and 2) who we represent. God’s Word is clear that as Christians we are 1) new creatures in Christ and therefore are 2) his representatives making us His ambassadors.
2 Corinthians 5:17 and 20 (NASB)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come…
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
An ambassador is always a representative of the place of their citizenship. Again, as Christians, our citizenship is no longer this world but heaven. It’s simple… we represent Christ to the world.
Philippians 3:20 (NASB)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
If you live for Christ the world will see who you represent through you.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Pastor Larry
