Your Brand

 

Photo by Casie Steele

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to attend Harvard Business School’s Leadership Certification Program. I learned so much about leadership and business. Much time was spent learning about brands and branding. Organizations spend millions of dollars building and sharing their brand. A brand sets the expectation for a product, service, or experience. For example, Walmart’s brand is low prices and no frills. Nordstrom’s brand is excellent service and  quality merchandise. 

You too have a brand. You have a way of behaving, relating to others, and living life. As a follower of Jesus, you are walking with Him each day and striving to live as He would expect you to. After all, you are His Ambassador sharing His “brand” with the world! 

So are you demonstrating to others Jesus’s brand of:

• Loving others 
• Treating everyone without favoritism
• Grace especially in the most trying situations 
• Humbleness 
• Compassion
• Forgiveness 
• Being a servant to others 
• Prayerfulness 
• Peace 

That’s quite a list. As you move into the change of seasons, why not use this time of change to reflect on the way you model Jesus in your life. Ask God to make you aware of the areas He thinks you need to adjust. Then, move forward being the best Christ follower you can be. 

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

Following

 

Social media is all about followers. You may be following lots of people, all trying to influence you. No matter what, the One to follow, and best life influencer, is Jesus Christ. You can find Him right where you are, anytime, and for always. 

It’s a great time of year with a change of season to reflect on your life and changes you need to make. The most important change may be to consider those you are following and giving time to. Are you spending time on worthless social media or in God’s Word? See, you have time to be with God and pray. You just may be spending time in the world instead. The season is changing and so can you! Follow Jesus. 

Jesus Is Enough

Have you notice how complex and twisted life has become? There are more choices, details, and processes than ever before. Life was much simpler in the past. Consider the simple act of watching television. Years ago there were three or four channels to choose from. Sure, the selection was limited but the shows were great and today are considered classics. Now, there are literally hundreds of channels and frequently nothing worth watching. There are more choices and options, in just about all aspects of life now than ever before, but also more unhappiness and unrest. More does not always mean better. Sooner or later, you learn that less is more, and you finally say "Enough!." As you grow older and wiser you realize you don't really need much in life. Fancy cars, homes, and things are not important. Health, family, friends, and safety matter the most. 

Perhaps you have reached the point where you know that Jesus Christ is enough for your life. If you have, you understand that in Christ you already have all you could ever need. If you haven't, you may be caught up in the allure of worldly things, or things of the flesh. Then enemy of God is skilled at creating a facade of glitz and glamour to attract you and keep you from the One that means more than anything. Set your eyes and heart firmly on the Lord. Ask Him to show you what really matters most. When you do you will know that Jesus Christ is enough for you.

"Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that’s not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything." Colossians 2:9-10  The Message

 

A Letter From Christ

The Bible says you are God’s ambassador. It also says that you are a letter from Christ. You may not realize it, but you are on display representing God in your daily walk. A letter can be eloquent, matter of fact, or a word of encouragement. 

It’s not common to write or receive letters anymore which makes being one even more important. You are uniquely positioned by God to share the Gospel message of hope, love, and grace. 

So, what kind of letter from Christ are you? 

Are you: 

- A short note barely sharing Him? 

- A warning letter preaching without reaching a soul? 

- An unopened letter staying silent in fear of sharing your faith? 

- A love letter sharing Jesus and being a blessing? 

The choice is yours. No matter what though, you are a letter being viewed, and read, by others. 

God is counting on you! Deliver love letters every chance you get and change a life for eternity. 

Be Encouraged

It’s easy to become discouraged; especially if you are looking around and spending time in the world. Instead, chose to be encouraged in Christ. When you are in Christ you will experience peace of mind, heart, and soul. No matter what the enemy throws your way, you are sheltered in the protective arms of The Most High. He goes before you and behind you. You are not alone, nor are you powerless. 

Will the enemy shoot arrows of fear, distraction, and confusion your way? Yes, because the enemy wants to discourage you and your walk with Christ. The goal is to have you give up, give in, and call it quits. Don't do it - no matter what stay in Christ. 

Be bold and courageous! Pray in the Spirit and in His will. Utilize the Word and set yourself firm in full confidence that Jesus is fighting your battle. He already is victorious and in all circumstances cares for and stands by you. You are a mighty warrior - a Christian Soldier! Keep marching and waving your spiritual sword. Ready? Set? March!