Who do I represent? We've just come off of a long holiday weekend. One which celebrates our 'memorials' to those who represented our country with their very lives. This weekend, however, has created within my heart the stirring question of "do others KNOW that I represent Christ, just by observing my life?". You see, I don't wear a uniform, and I do not have a title, but I am in an army. The army of the Lord. I do not go off to war while leaving my loved ones behind, wondering if they'll ever see me again; but, I do go to war, daily, on my knees. I do battle with an enemy far greater than any machine gun or bombs that have ever been created. I am fighting for the souls of the youth in our world. I am fighting for the healing of those in need of God's healing touch. I do battle to open doors for those who need to see God's mighty hand move on their behalf. Daily, as I am in my own world (work, home, community) I am representing the King of my country - my true home - the Kingdom of God. How, then, do I live, walk and work in this world and still represent my 'soldier roll' honorably? Paul gives us an idea in his letter to the Colossians. Please look at Chapter 3, verses 17 & 23. It says, "And, whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father . . . Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (New Living Translation) So, the key here is to remember Who I represent, Who I work for, and continue on in every task with a thankful heart. This almost seems way too easy! Is there a catch? Yes! It is the last phrase "with a grateful heart", or as Paul said, "all the while giving thanks". ALL the while? YES!!! Does this mean to be happy that calamity has come? Or illness? Or a job loss? NO!! It means to be able to through it all remember that it is God Who is in control, and that He has our best interest at heart, and that we can be thankful that we have His loving Hand guiding and directing our lives. We can be thankful that He is working out something wonderful in our lives. Look upon it as a time of growth, praying, "Lord, what is it that You wish to show me through this, so that I can become more and more like You?" We can be thankful that we have a job, even when the job is stressful. We can be thankful that we have to move even when we've been so very comfortable where we have been, knowing that there is a purpose in it. When I was a little girl I saw the movie Pollyanna. It really impacted my heart, and is to this day, one of my favorites. I like to play "The Glad Game" that Pollyanna did. She was the daughter of a missionary family, and they did not have much. When things went wrong, she learned to play the game - look for the good in the situation - and become glad, again. Like Paul, Pollyanna was able to "all the while give thanks". It really does help! As our soldiers represented our country, and we recognized them by their uniform and by the way in which they carried themselves in their warfare, we, too, can be recognized as representatives of Jesus Christ - as we learn to walk with the proper perspective - We live, and move, and have our being through Him. So, dear ones, I encourage you this week to shine forth in your own battle ground. Letting His love and His light shine through you as you fight the good fight of faith! Be blessed as you are a blessing to those around you.

(c)kle

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