The Rush of “Reppin’”
June 23, 2010
My twins recently performed in a middle school band competition at King’s Dominion. They were awarded two marks of “excellent,” and went on to win first place in the middle school division. My son’s response to all this? “Providence is reppin!” Of course, that is slang for “representing well.” As I thought of the growing reputation of their band, I could not help but reflect upon the growing reputation of our church. Is West Broad “reppin?” The answer to that question is not found in our words, but the words of others. We see an example of this in comments of the second century writer Aristides. While describing Christians to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, he wrote, “They love one another. They never fail to help widows; they save orphans from those who would hurt them. If they have something they give freely to the man who has nothing. If they see a stranger, they take him home, and are happy, as though he were a real brother. They don’t consider themselves brothers in the usual sense, but brothers instead through the Spirit, in God.” What a testimony! What a reputation! As we labor here at West Broad, are we “reppin” like Aristides’ second century saints? As an individual Christian, are you doing your part to demonstrate zeal, love, and compassion as we endeavor for Jesus in downtown Richmond? Does your life shine so glaringly bright with the way of God that even people without faith see him in you? Family, I believe we are a good church. But I believe we will be a great church as we increasingly replace our will with God’s (Lk. 22:42). Then, West Broad will truly be “reppin!” Let’s all think about it! —JLNJR
