As you know, I love ink pens. While I have my regular set of “go-to’s” of pens I use on a daily basis, I’m always on the “look out” for another pen to add to my repertoire. A commercial caught my eye this weekend that was advertising custom-made pens where a group or organization can have their message put on the barrel of the pen. I immediately became glued to the advertisement. I think you had to order 50 or more to get “the deal.” The theme for the offer was asking the potential customer, “What’s your message!?”
The question hit home for me as I strive to exhibit Christ in my life every minute of my day. I began to reflect. What do people see when they see me? Do they see pride-fullness or humility? Do others see me as constantly proving a point or demonstrating concern? Am I seen as being heavy handed on every single issue or heavy hearted when I see others concerned about circumstances?
Paul tells us in I Corinthians 9:19-23 how he wants people to see him on his daily walk, For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win them more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under the law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
Paul is not condoning sinful actions of others nor is he “going along to get along.” Paul seeks service to others in an effort to attract people to the Gospel and not act as a repellant. While most may not pay attention to our ink pen of choice, they will respond to how we treat them. What’s your message!?
