On Being a Representative

representative: n. Someone who represents others as a member of a legislative or governing body.

represent: v. To stand or act in the place of; to perform the duties, exercise the rights, or otherwise act on behalf of.

The thought was a simple one: Stop by the local grocery store, purchase a bouquet of flowers, and take them to a friend dealing with a reboot of cancer. I didn’t need to visit; her body, mind, and soul are spent. I would leave the rays of sunshine at her front door to be discovered long after I had come and gone.

For myself, I know the source of these thoughts and ideas. As a person of faith, my Heavenly Father sends them my way. I can choose to act upon them . . . or not.

Mission accomplished! My heart went out to the recipient, her incalculable needs, and the bright joy sent her way from the mind of her Heavenly Father. I searched for the words to thank God for including me, for letting me in on His secret surprise. I had none.

Some in religious circles apply the phrase “being used by God.” I stumbled over those words. “Being used” has such a negative connotation, far removed from the character and nature of our Creator. He is anything and everything but--a user.

Finally, I had the words to thank Him: Thank you for choosing me to be part of your plan. Very quietly, He reminded me that He whispered years ago: “I have chosen you to represent me.”

When we think about representatives, our mind goes to those in our government we have elected to a position of power and authority. Their primary role is to fulfill the will of the people, not of self. However, being a representative can be found in other areas besides the world of politics. Consider the meanderings of my mind.

I feel people everywhere fill that role. You may represent someone or something. Perhaps it falls into the category of a philosophy, an ideology, a value, a point of character, a cause, or any number of other things.

For example, I may be a proponent of the second amendment with a personal arsenal of guns and ammunition. It would be fair to say I represent that cause. Perhaps I plant my garden with shrubs and flowers that are native to my particular area—it could be said I represent an earth-first philosophy. Do you advocate hard work and accountability? Without a doubt your life represents those qualities. The lives of many represent the results of a bad choice or decision. Others might represent a life filled with greed, pride, and decadence. I represent those things that are important to me, evidenced in the way I live my life.

For those of faith, you who have chosen to live with God, He has, in turn, chosen you to represent Him—to be His voice, His hands and feet. Represent Him well—in your home, with friends and family; at work; in the presence of people you know and those you don’t—so that He might be seen in this world. And, as in the world of politics, remember that, as His representative, we are to fulfill the will of the One we represent . . . not of self.

You are God’s representative. You could ask for no higher calling. Nor could I.