GOD’S IMAGE BEARERS
As someone who works in a non-Christian environment, it can sometimes be difficult to share about Jesus or the gospel with my coworkers openly. Often, when I share about my weekend at church or my Biblical perspectives, my colleagues listen out of respect, but I know it’s not something they necessarily agree with.
I often ask God how I can impart His truth and wisdom in the marketplace, my home, or my church. How can I be His messenger in my day-to-day life? When I turn to the Scriptures, I am reminded that from the beginning of time, God made us in His image (Genesis 1:27), and through Christ, we are made righteous (Romans 5:19-21). We are His image bearers!
I could never fully comprehend it, but I am incredibly humbled by it. My identity is secured in Christ and my life forever belongs to Him. In a sense, we represent Jesus to a world that does not know Him. This is not a role reserved only for pastors or church leaders; it is a calling for all of God’s children to show others a glimpse of what a life with Christ is like.
In this context, how I speak, behave, think, or treat others matters because these actions need to reflect Jesus, who lives in me. The Apostle Paul expresses this in 2 Corinthians 5:20, where he states that we are His ambassadors. We represent Jesus as we walk through life.
This is why I believe integrity is essential to our character as God’s children. Integrity, as Brené Brown puts it, is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.
It is said in Titus 2:7-8,
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
The way I interpret this passage is that we become blameless when we choose to walk with integrity. I believe integrity is a discipline—it’s a daily choice we make. How do you want to represent Christ in you?
One of the things I admire and have learned from my dad is that he is a man of principle. We were always raised to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching. He always taught my brother and me to be excellent, not perfect, in the tasks given to us, wherever and whenever.
The scripture my dad would always remind us of is “to do unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). Even if it means doing the most menial task, we ought to give our best as if we’re working for the Lord.
As I’ve applied this to my life, I’ve realized that being diligent, consistent, and honest are imperative qualities for living as Christ’s image bearers. Rather than being known as someone who exploits others or a situation for personal gain, we should be known as someone upright indeed. We become someone whom people can trust and rely on at any given time, someone who looks after the needs of others.
I believe showing integrity in the marketplace or at home is just as important as preaching the gospel. We talk the walk and walk the talk. In James 2:24, it’s mentioned
“that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”
Our words need to align with our actions because we carry the light of Jesus.
Another way I think we can show integrity in our day-to-day lives is by refraining from gossip. I know it’s difficult and tempting! But it is something I am constantly working on, especially as mentioned in Ephesians 5:6-11.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
I always have to remind myself, that if you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. It’s so easy to talk about people behind their backs, but I believe that as God’s image bearers, we are called to encourage others with words that are pure, noble, and true.
One thing I’ve tried to do to refrain from gossiping is to say things like, “I don’t know enough about this person, and I’m sure they have their reasons for their actions. Let’s talk about something else!” At times, integrity may look like being quick to admit and apologize for our faults. When we take responsibility for our actions, we exemplify trustworthiness to others.
Ultimately, it’s the Holy Spirit who enables us to carry Jesus in our daily rhythm of life. We need to ask Jesus for wisdom and guidance in navigating life with integrity. All the while, I believe we need to be committed to living out our identity as God’s beloved children. Let’s align ourselves with Godly character as His image bearers.
With love and prayer,
Jennifer Wijaya (Global Women Coordinator)
