By Vanessa Small

Who do you represent? At various stages throughout my life, I’ve answered that question differently.

During elementary school, I was a cheerleader and a member of the math and spelling academic teams. As we participated at various city and regional competitions, we were excited to represent Richards Elementary. Our shirts and uniforms proudly proclaimed us to be Raiders.

As we traveled in the church van on our road trips, people we met instantly knew where we were from and what we represented.

I was a 4-H member for 10 years. At our county fair, my projects were labeled to show they represented the Happy-Go-Luckies 4-H club. Some of my projects were given awards that allowed them to continue to the Indiana State Fair. In a few competitions, I even advanced to the state public speaking and demonstration competitions. As my posters were displayed and as I spoke on stage, I represented Bartholomew County at the state level.

Another organization I participated in was Girl Scouts. All of us in Troop 387 wore our vests to events we attended. The various insignia on our uniforms gave others clues as to our age level and the number of years we had been a member. Whether we were participating in a flag ceremony, singing the National Anthem at an event, or marching in a parade, we represented not only our local troop but also the entire Girl Scout organization.

During high school, I participated on a bible quizzing team with other teenagers from my youth group. We designed T-shirts to wear as we represented our church at state and national competitions. As we traveled in the church van on our road trips, people we met instantly knew where we were from and what we represented. One person we met even claimed to recognize us by our Indiana accents (which we did not even know we had).

As Christians, members of the Body of Christ, we represent Jesus [to] the people of our world every day.

When I was in college, I volunteered at the local Boys and Girl Club. Being outside of the “bubble” of campus life, I represented my university among the children and staff at the organization. I also embodied the hope of higher education to children who may have never dreamed of the opportunity.

As Christians, members of the Body of Christ, we represent Jesus among the people of our world every day. We do not aim to live in the spotlight to bring glory to ourselves, but living our lives in the view of others is inevitable. We represent Christ to those we interact with each day – our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, social media followers, and even casual acquaintances.

In whatever situation we find ourselves, we are to let our light shine so others may see and give glory to God. Wherever we go we are ambassadors for Christ. We have been redeemed by Jesus and now represent him. The defining mark of a Christian should be love. In our words and our actions, will others know that we follow Christ? Let’s pray that his light and love shine through us so others may know Him.

Discussion Questions: How can Christians build bridges and represent Jesus to those who may have been turned off by the Christian faith by previous negative experiences?

For further study: Matthew 5:16; John 13:35; 2 Corinthians 5:20