representing christ

Chris, after being stuck at home a few
days due to ice and snow.

The bank teller was very kind and didn’t let on that I looked like I’d been living in a cave for awhile. I was—ahem—a bit unkempt.

But hey, like many of us I’ve been stuck at home the past few days due to ice and snow. And since personal hygiene isn’t a high priority for me during these times, I wasn’t as dapper as usual.

As I left the bank lobby I cringed at the reflection of my sorry self in the glass door. Yow!

“Oh well,” I thought, “the teller doesn’t know me from Adam. I’m just a guy to her. No harm done.”

Then it occurred to me: I had just deposited a couple of checks issued from my church. Translated, the bank teller knew I was a follower of Christ. And here I was looking like something out of “Redneck America.”

At that moment I remembered—for the umpteenth time—that like it or not I represent Christ to the world. And my witness earlier today was not my best effort. Yes I was kind and friendly, but my physical appearance left a lot to be desired.

How about you? If you’re a Christian, are you aware that unbelievers will in part judge Christ based on interactions with you? Are you kind? Are you honest? Are you friendly?

And yes, do you look as if personal hygiene is important to you?

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”1

Unfortunately, while I was prepared to share Christ in terms of knowledge, willingness and presentation, my outside packaging was a little rough around the edges. And that’s putting it mildly.

Moral of the story? Next time I’ll spend a little more time on my physical appearance. After all, I’m Christ to a Christ-less world.

And so are you.

1  1 Peter 3:15