How Do I Represent Jesus?

FISH Am I a Christian?

Yesterday I wrote about labels (What’s Your Label?) from my perspective as a wheelchair user. One commenter observed that labels make it easier to navigate our relationships. Once I know you’re one of “those” I automatically respond in a certain manner. While that may not be right, it’s probably realistic.

But it got me thinking—how do my behaviors define and represent the labels I stamp on my own forehead? For example, when I see someone apparently abusing one of my personally-labeled blue parking spaces, how does my response influence that person’s perception of other wheelchair users?

Earlier this week I read a wonderful story called Who Is A Christian? posted by Lori Laws. It’s pretty short—if you want to read it now go ahead—I’ll wait.

Too frequently I forget that I represent Jesus to the people I encounter. Personally, I wouldn’t have chosen me for that position. However, as my friend Jeff Lucas points out, God uses sinners like me to accomplish His work because we’re the only kind of people He has. With all of my faults and imperfections, I’m directed to be “Jesus in a t-shirt and tennis shoes” (or in my case, “Jesus in a wheelchair”).

Representing the King of creation is a daunting task. There’s no shortage of advice on how to fulfill that role, and no matter how hard I try I know I’ll fail. If God asked my advice (He hasn’t) I’d tell Him to publish a list of Ten Sure-fire Ways To Represent Jesus. I’m sure it would be a best-seller, but for reasons of His own He chose a different plan.

So, after trying to do it my way and wondering why I seem to miss the mark so badly, I seek some advice.

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” [Matthew 22: 35-40]

That’s it—love? All I have to do is value and model authentic relationships with God, others, and myself? If only I’d known that’s all there was to it.

And then all I can do is paraphrase the father’s plea in Mark 9:24: I do want to love; help me overcome my inability to love the way You love me.

The next time I see someone misusing one of those blue parking spaces, help me reflect Your love.

What’s a specific situation in which you struggle to represent Jesus?