At one congregation I served, there was a sign in the bathroom, “Live in such a way that those who don’t know God will come to know God because of you.” Admittedly, I’m not a fan of words on walls. But every time I would read that sign, it would give me pause. Especially if I was having a bad day or feeling especially grumbly towards the world.
When I read this passage from Philippians, I think of those words on walls. Live in such a way that people will come to know God because they know you. Because they hear your words and see your deeds. Because what they see and hear reflects your faith. Sometimes, that will be in obvious ways. But often God reveals God’s self in the ordinary, and the small and seemingly insignificant acts. All that we do as people of faith, we do in the name of the One who claims us.
God who names and claims us, you call us to proclaim your gospel in the world. Some days we might be like Jesus turning the tables in the temple. Other days we will be tending to the brokenhearted. But on all days may we seek to reflect Jesus in what we say and do. Amen. — CRP