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Jul 10, 2026 06:00am

A Good Representative

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“You are a representative of us. Your words and your actions should show it.”

That was the speech we heard before every field trip, tournament, or conference. Our principal, sponsors, and teachers wanted to remind us that how we acted and what we said reflected on our school. We wanted to be part of a school that others respected and wanted to join.

And I took that responsibility seriously.

I showed respect. I was courteous, kind, and well-mannered. I beamed whenever someone commented on how well-behaved our group was.

Then came high school.

I became desperate for attention and acceptance. I wanted people to think I was funny, accepted, and worth noticing. Sometimes, while we were away on field trips, I took things too far.

Some of the words I spoke were hurtful. Some of my actions were wrong. Because of my behavior, people who had generously welcomed us were left with a poor impression of our school. I wasn’t being a good representative, and I wondered if they would even want to invite us back.

After all, why would anyone want to be part of Cord-Charlotte if this was the kind of impression we left behind?

Paul wrote:

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
**Colossians 3:17**

As believers, we are representatives of Christ. We are His ambassadors to the world. How we live, the words we speak, and the attitudes we display all reflect the One we claim to follow.

If we call ourselves Christians, are we truly living like Christ? Is there evidence in our lives that His power has changed us? Or do we look no different than the world around us?

When we call Jesus Lord, we are placing our lives under His authority. Through salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming us from the inside out. Our desires, attitudes, words, and actions gradually become more like His as we surrender to His leadership. That transformation happens as we spend time in His Word, seek Him in prayer, and willingly obey what He teaches us.

But sometimes our old self still tries to take control.

Our flesh wants the last word. Sometimes the “super spiritual” thing we think needs to be said actually creates division instead of unity. Our choices don’t line up with Scripture, and before long, we begin to look more like the world than people who have been transformed by Christ.

I remember something a friend in college once said:

“Why would I want to become a Christian? They aren’t any different than anyone else.”

That statement has stayed with me for years.

God has called us to be sanctified—to be set apart—not so people will admire us, but so they will see Him. Our lives should point others to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

So let me ask you this:

Would someone want to know more about Jesus because of your words and your actions?

The truth is, we all fail.

I certainly have.

One of the most beautiful truths of the gospel is that Jesus offers forgiveness. His grace reached us while we were still sinners, and the Holy Spirit faithfully convicts us whenever we drift from God’s truth.

The question isn’t whether we’ve failed.

The question is what we’ll do with the truth God has shown us today.

Will we continue representing ourselves?

Or will we faithfully represent our King?