Give Yourself to Others …

When I plan to met someone at a public place, if they’ve never seen me before, I often tell them I bear a close resemblance to Santa Claus — mainly because of my mostly white hair and white beard … as my picture will attest.

And during the Christmas season, I enjoy filling in for the jolly old elf, in spite of myself.

But there is an interesting analogy between putting on my Santa Suit and labeling myself a Christian.

David as Santa Claus, with a little friend

When I put on my Santa suit, I have to always be prepared to represent Santa to children.  I can’t be Santa and be a grouch — or a jerk — or be impolite — or short-tempered.  I have to be willing to be Santa and everything that goes along with that “stereotype.”  If I’m not willing to do that I shouldn’t put on the suit.  When anyone sees me, they should say, There’s Santa!

And that’s the way it should be as a Christian, as well.  If I “put on Christ”, then when anyone sees me, they should say, That’s guy is a Christian.

There are a lot of implications that go along with that.  And I’m not saying it’s easy or simple.  I’m just saying there is a parallel.

Obviously, it’s easier to put on a suit to then look and act like Santa Claus.  One reason it’s easier is because I can take the Santa suit off and people don’t automatically think of me as Santa.

But then the remaining question for both you and me is this:  Do people think I do as good a job of representing Jesus, as they think I do representing Santa?  Shouldn’t they?

I think the answer to that should be, “yes.”