Rochelle Cross, MIT
2 Corinthians 4:5

Public Servant! 

Via a restaurant experience, God gave me revelation on the duties of a public servant. Out to dinner with my family, I verbalized my dissatisfaction with the service we received. When the server approached the table, failing to acknowledge the lateness of my food, I expressed my dissatisfaction. I pulled her to the side and explained how she was not performing to my standards.

After we left the restaurant, I verbalized to my son, plans I had to rectify a family dilemma. I was not satisfied with a situation. My sons reply, “at times you can be self absorbed.” His comment caused me to reflect on his comment, culminated with the restaurant experience.

The next morning, with reluctance I lay before the Lord; asking “am I self absorbed.” The Lord, my gentle teacher caused me to remember the comments of an acquaintance. My acquaintance is an army personal who has mastered the art of staying in uniform. When faced with public disrespect, he remembers that he represents the U.S. Army. When he is in uniform, he cannot display “conduct unbecoming an officer.” When we represent the kingdom, we must be mindful of the uniform at all times. God was revealing to me that I was motivated by pride and neglecting to put kingdom business first. Paul proclaims “For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:5-6)

We were in darkness and God said “let there be light” and Jesus Christ emerged on the scene. Jesus was equipped with the light of knowledge and because of kindness and mercy, sent us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us that because of God’s mercy, we ought to make his proclamation our main objective. For a slave seeks to please his master so we ought to seek to please our master, God of all creation.

Focusing on myself and taking my attention from the master, I may have missed an opportunity to let my light shine with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The server may have been an opportunity to witness. May we never forget our purpose, the glorification of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer 

Lord, keep me ever so mindful of your loving and kind presence.

Thought for the day 

Lord may I never forget to represent!