Represent Your Team

A couple of years ago, during a game between his L.A. Clippers and the then-Charlotte Bobcats, Corey Maggette casually dribbled down the court looking for a way to start a play. He pulled up at the 3-point line and made a textbook bounce pass inside—to the other team. It seemed like an unbelievable turnover at the time. Couldn’t he tell who was on his team and who wasn’t?

In Acts 23:2-5 we read about Paul being arrested for preaching the truth about Jesus Christ. As he shared his side of the story before the Sanhedrin, Ananias—the high priest—ordered someone to strike Paul on the mouth. Ananias assumed Paul was guilty without a trial and ordered a punishment—which was a violation of Jewish law. Paul knew this, so he rebuked Ananias without recognizing that Ananias was the high priest. When Paul discovered he had spoken against a ruler of the people, he apologized, but it had all started when Ananias’ actions had falsely represented God and, thus, obscured his identity.

Think about your life. Would others recognize you as a representative of Jesus Christ? As Christians, we represent God’s Son. We are His ambassadors. If someone we know says, “I didn’t know you were a Christian,” we need to stop and ask ourselves why. As His representatives on Earth, that should never be something people doubt or question.

Remember, people are always watching your life. As a believer in Jesus Christ, stand for Him with honor!