Humbled Representative
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:3-6
My second youngest grandchild, Kali, is a bundle of joy. Like most three-year-olds, she is prone to tantrums and can on occasion get into mischief like pouring out her grandmother’s conditioner. However, when you see her, you cannot help but notice the smile on her face and the laughter that she brings throughout the household. She loves to give hugs on my arm while I am in a meeting with one of my team members, and says, “I love you,” to me every single day. When you see her, you can see nothing but a loving bright eyed little girl.
As Christians, we should consider how we are identified. Not based on how we wish others to perceive us for their benefit or our own. This is not a popularity contest, but rather to assess how truly we represent Jesus Christ. When they see us, do they see attributes that best reflect Him? Do they feel loved and valued? Do they feel they can approach us for God’s truth rather than our personal judgment? These are questions I struggle with myself because I want to be held to account. I aim to embody the words of Paul to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” (2 Timothy 4:7) The indication that I am on the right path is my willingness to ask these questions. Although the answers may not always be correct, the ongoing struggle and willingness to continue signify spiritual growth.
Paul's words in today’s verses speak to those willing to grow in their faith journey. We are partners to Christ in spreading the Good News, and we are growing in our relationship with Him A business leader shared wisdom about finding satisfaction in life by subtracting rather than adding. He suggested reflecting on the best aspects of your life, the small things that aligned for them to exist, and imagining if they never happened. He said, “Sometimes the best way to feel gratitude isn’t by adding thanks … it’s by realizing what could’ve been taken away.”
This quote changed my perspective on God's grace and the intentional manner in which He has guided me to today. Reflecting on the moments of divine intervention such as being protected during a high-speed accident, my wife's patience during our breakup, and being introduced to literature on God's purpose by a friend served as a humbling reminder of God's actions in my life, for which I am grateful. While we might perceive our lives as missed opportunities or outcomes that did not meet expectations, the journey of faith encompasses more than just positive events. It is about recognizing and persevering through all circumstances to understand God’s ever presence in our lives. According to James 1:3-4, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” This process of refinement shapes us into God's people, and by sharing our experiences, we allow the light of Christ to be evident through our actions. This is how we hope to be seen.
As we continue this journey of faith, let us remain humble and grateful for the countless blessings and lessons bestowed upon us. God has given us so much, and despite all of the possible pitfalls and bad outcomes that could have occurred in our life, He has chosen to bring us to this moment here. Let us remember that it is not perfection that defines our walk with Him, but our willingness to grow, to love, and to serve with a heart full of gratitude. How do you see God's hand guiding you through the milestones of your life? Are you a source of light and encouragement to those around you? How can you cultivate a heart full of humility and thankfulness? My prayer is that when the world sees us, they see a reflection of a growing and humbled representative of Jesus Christ. Amen.