Philippians 1:27 "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ."
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is currently serving as the White House Press Secretary for the President of the United States. She is a fellow Believer in Jesus Christ. Over a month ago she visited the Red Hen restaurant in Lexington, Virginia and was asked to leave because of her association with President Trump and his policies. Sarah politely left the restaurant and didn't argue.
I applaud Mrs. Sanders for her classy and unresponsive exit. Not only did she refuse to engage in political retribution but she chose to respectfully leave the restaurant quietly and not cause a scene. Her actions displayed the very essence of Jesus Christ, His character and His gentle ways. It has always bothered me when Christians complain and are demanding at restaurants and public venues. They are seen by others as annoying and self-absorbed and in no way glorify Jesus Christ in the midst of what they are doing. If you don't like something, don't go back. Complaining and ridiculing only leaves a bad taste in their mouths and gives the name of Christianity a negative rapport.
Matthew tells us in the book of Matthew 10:14 that Jesus sent his disciples out to the lost sheep of Israel and were told that "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet." They weren't to let it bother them if they were turned away. They weren't to leave in a huff of anger. They weren't to engage them in back and forth bantering. They weren't to spur others on in outrage against the wrong doer but to quietly and gently leave dusting off their feet. The dusting off of your feet was an emblematic symbol designating that the hosts were impure in the sight of God and in danger of eternal separation from God. It conveys the same idea as the modern day phrase "washing your hands of it". It is a symbolic indication that everything has been done that can be done and therefore I take no more responsibility for it.
As Believers in Jesus Christ we are called to go out and re-present Christ at every turn, sharing the Gospel at every opportunity, and letting our light shine so vividly that there is no question in people's mind who we belong to. The Fruit of the Spirit should be at work at all times further exemplifying His likeness and His ways. Mrs. Sanders was out in public re-presenting Jesus Christ and the Spirit of God was mightily on display by her love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and admirable self-control. God enabled her to respectfully leave her mouth shut and graciously exit the scene without soliciting recourse for the perpetrator's actions. God was glorified through it all and you can bet that she has one proud Papa knowing that his daughter preciously portrayed the likeness of Christ in the midst of what could have been a harrowing experience!
There are times in our lives when God calls us to stand firm, proclaim Truth and give testimony and we may need to continue on until we see the results of that testimony. But then there are times when God gives us the freedom to quietly move along and shake the dust off our feet. The Holy Spirit will prompt us to take the actions God desires of us. Our responsibility is to be so in tune with God that we recognize His voice when the Spirit leads and follow in obedience. Then, whatever happens, conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ! (Phil 1:27)
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for people like Sarah Huckabee Sanders who are in the public eye and not ashamed of their faith. Thank you for giving her a place within the current administration where she can be a phenomenal influence as to what is happening on a daily basis. I lift her and other Believers to you in the political scene and I pray that You would give them strength and courage to continue on and make a difference. May You embolden each of us to step out and make a difference in whatever situation You have placed us in. Give us the ability to love despite our differences and work to peacefully bring solutions to the problems we face. Protect us as we engage others and give them a glimpse of who You are.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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