As Christians, the Bible encourages us to represent God in all circumstances. Whilst it's important to stay connected to a Christian community, which is the church, and develop relationships there, Jesus sends his disciples on the Great Commission to make disciples of all people.

That means we are to be alert as Christians of opportunities where there are to share and represent Christ. 

Now we are in the summer season, some people may be going on holiday. It's important to remember we are still on a mission to represent Christ in these environments. And some people will be staying at home due to other commitments during these times.

Regardless of our location, we are representing Christ wherever we are. We should therefore try our utmost best and represent God as best as we can. Here are some points and scriptures to keep in mind when representing Christ in and outside the church.

Jesus sends us on a Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20 - Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus sends his disciples on a mission to spread the good news and make disciples of all people. That means we shouldn't limit our targets to a particular type of person that we can reach. We never know what God is working in someone's heart before they meet us.

Their conversation with you could be that final conversation in which God works in their heart to bring them to commit to following Christ.

Let your light shine

Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The above scripture is Jesus speaking to his disciples, encouraging them to represent well to everyone so that God may receive the glory from the way that we live our lives.

This is an encouraging scripture to remind us that we have the light of the gospel inside of us as Christians and we should not hide this light away. In verses preceding this scripture in verse 15, Jesus gives the illustration that "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." 

When we may feel unsure about letting our light shine, we can also be encouraged by the scripture in Joshua 1:9 that says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Be ready to explain your faith

1 Peter 3:15 - Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

In life, circumstances may arise in the most unexpected scenarios that give you a chance to share your faith.

In the above scripture, the apostle Peter tells us to be ready to explain our faith to those who ask about the God we serve. Staying in God's word and being disciplined in it helps us to prepare for moments such as these.

We want to be as ready as we can to express the hope we have in Christ when people ask. Not for the sake of winning an argument, but with the intention that those hearing may receive the Good News of the Gospel and would eventually be transformed by this.