Godly Representative

Posted by Quen Banks on Jun 28, 2011 in Daily Bread | 1 comment

I believe I pledged the best sorority in the land, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated (“Delta”). Delta is a private, non-profit, international organization founded in 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These young students used their collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. It is a sisterhood of service with a central purpose to transform lives and impact communities. As a member on the campus of Florida A & M University, my “Sorors” and I established programs and moved with continued action to uphold the image and central purpose of Delta. That image and purpose necessitated accountability to one another. We regularly addressed issues involving drinking decorum at parties, pre-marital sex, class attendance, suggestive photos or postings via social network sites, etc. etc. I reflect now and realize the central concern and ultimate question is and should have always been… (drum roll please)….what did the issue or non-issue say about the God we serve? (Convicting. Ouch!)

As Christians, we have accepted into our lives the only savior in the land – Jesus Christ- and his image and purpose necessitates accountability to God. We are renewed, given a new mind and heart, and set off in a new direction. We act upon new principles. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary 12:1, 2 defines this conversion:

Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this renewing work, till it is perfected in glory. The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which soon pass away. Do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God. (emphasis added)

Have we authentically and intentionally given up ourselves to God? What issues are we struggling with today? Is it attitude or anger? Is it alcohol? Is it homosexuality, infidelity or premarital sex? Is it worldly living?… It is time to deal-with-sin, “to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and…run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12: 1 (NIV). Let’s challenge ourselves to be a Godly representative of Jesus Christ.