A Christian is a person whose personal image is extremely important – not just to make him or her look good, but to provide a positive message about the Lord whom they represent, worship, and serve.
H. B. London of Focus on the
Family wrote this about image:
“What
people imagine in their minds about your ministry and the environment in which
you minister does make a difference. The
way your office looks when people come to visit, makes a difference. How you look, makes a difference. How you treat people, makes a
difference. How your family is
perceived, makes a difference. The
sermons you deliver, make a difference.
How the non-Christian world sees you as you walk through the village,
makes a difference. What you think of
yourself, makes a difference.”
I would add to the above that your personal image includes who you are, what you say, and how you act. Matthew refers to image when he says, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our image should:
1) Be bright
as a light that illuminates – “Let your light shine”
2) Be Constantly
shown to others – “before men”
3) Reflect
the good things we do – “see your good deeds”
4) Point
people to God – “praise your Father in heaven”
Our personal image is something we need to take seriously. What image do you portray before people? Are your words and your actions making a difference for the cause of Christ? Maybe we ought to examine ourselves and make sure that the image we portray does not turn people away from Christ but directs them to our wonderful Lord.
