I spent the first few days of my two week suspension bitter. The internal investigation had been little more than a formality. The company I work for accused me of negligence and rules violations which caused a derailment. My union representative, in my opinion, didn’t present the best defense. I sat in the investigation watching both sides sling accusations trying to catch each other in a lie while both ignored the statement of events. I didn’t feel like I had been treated fairly by the company or represented fairly by the union. Neither had seemed to take my statement into account or had much faith in my ability.
It wasn’t until I was reading through the Sermon on the Mount that I realized I had no right to throw stones.
Matthew 5:16 says, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you Father which is in Heaven. As a Christian, I am God’s representative to the world. I work for Him and on occasion have been called upon to defend my faith. I have the Bible as a guideline with which to live my life. All I really have to do obey, have faith in His ability, and let my light shine. But how often did my light truly shine? How much time did I spend in His word so I was familiar with the guidelines?
All I really have to do obey, have faith in His ability, and let my light shine.
Matthew 5:44 says, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Through the Bible and the Holy Spirit, He has taught me what to say and how to react in a given situation; not just for my own good, but for His glory. But how often did I listen? How often did I rely on His ability instead of counting on my own? I would get caught up in worldly views and arguments instead of concentrating on my only true job – representing God. When someone attacked my beliefs, did I heed Matthew 7:1 – Judge not, that ye be not judged? Or did I take it personally and attack theirs. Instead of relying on Matthew 7:12a – Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, when mud was slung, I slung it back.
As a Christian, I am God’s representative to the world.
Most importantly, when someone was curious and asking questions about God, how many times had I chosen that moment to be quiet? My suspension was a glowing reminder of one thing – I have been a poor representative. This is not a job that is at stake or loss of some income. These are souls with an eternity of consequences. We are to represent God before the world, with the same love and conviction Jesus Christ will represent us before God. I will continually fall short, but my life is committed to Jesus Christ and I will try with every breath I have left. How ‘bout you?
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