I am interrupting your regularly scheduled program to bring you this blog post.  I know, I know, I said this is a bi-weekly blog.  Forgive me, but I just can’t help myself today!!  I woke up this morning to the news that Prince Henry (Harry) of Wales was, well, over-exposed so to speak.  I must say my heart was sad and very troubled.  Troubled because I have enjoyed ‘seeing’ the man he’s becoming.  Representing his country and the Monarchy. I turned the tv up and waited for the full-blown story.  “Yikes,” I said, as I saw the pictures!  “What was he thinking?”, I asked out loud.  Okay, yes, he was behind closed doors and what he does should be nobody’s business. I hope he now knows ‘What’s Done in Vegas Does NOT Stay in Vegas’.  I know you’re probably thinking, so what?  What’s it to you?  Why do you care about Harry’s antics?  Aren’t there enough other things that could use your attention?  Yes, there are other things certainly more urgent and could really use my attention, but this story was a BIG reminder to me.  Why?  As a leader, I was reminded of what is expected of me when I am ‘off duty’.  You see, I believe that as a leader, I am never really ‘off duty’.  Even at home.  While I may not be fulfilling a specific role at the time, I am still on duty.  I am still representing Christ.  Always.

It’s been said that integrity is who you are when no one’s looking.  When we have the privilege of leading people, we must remember that we are to reflect Christ even when we’re not under the proverbial ‘spiritual’ spotlight.  Just like Prince Harry represents the United Kingdom, I, as a devoted follower of Christ, represent the Kingdom of God.  This goes for all of us who are devoted followers of Christ, leaders or not. Have you heard the old saying: “The higher the level, the higher the devil?” Well, its true.  The more influence you have, the more the enemy wants to take you down.  Not remembering this is a disaster waiting to happen!  Just like with Prince Harry and lots of other leaders we’ve all heard and read about.  While he will ‘hide for a while’, someone else now has the job of cleaning up his mess.  Again.  Indiscretion is a beast.  We shouldn’t put others in this predicament. Cleaning up our messes.  There are several things that I believe contributed to Harry’s expose’ (won’t go into that) and I think he should STOP and take a look at all that’s at stake.  For me, I try to remember what Numbers 32:23 says, “Be sure your sin will find you out.”  Indeed it does. I am living proof.  I have since learned to put some parameters in place in my own life.  For instance, I’ve chosen not to comment on certain FB posts that are political in nature (even though my fingers feverishly keep tapping my keyboard and my heart rate goes up!).  I try to watch what I say (and post) that could be misconstrued.  I also try to watch how I respond to others. When in doubt of how my comments may be received, emails won’t do.  I pick up the phone. I am also challenged to keep a complaining spirit to a minimum (will stop striving to do this when Christ splits the Eastern Sky!) and allow the Spirit to check the snarky comments I can make.  Especially to my husband.

Dear one, the looking-glass (God’s Word) teaches us to reflect Christ in our daily dealings (marriage, parenting, work, ministry, relationships, etc.) It would do us well to remember that when we think no one is looking, someone is always looking.  God is.  Let’s do well to represent Him well.

Until Christ is Reflected in me…

The Looking Glass Reflections–

+How have you had to remember that when you think no one is looking, God is looking?

+In what ways can you/do you reflect Christ in the ‘hidden’ areas of your life/ministry?