The Receptionist
You walk up to the huge, daunting, glass clad building, the waiting Doorman, in an impeccable and ornate uniform, graciously swings open the impressive front door, ushering you inside, and you enter apprehensively, and there a short distance away from you, pretty plants and a grand vase, full of an artistically presented, display of fresh flowers, tastefully positioned on the top of the reception desk. Beautiful polished marble is cladding about everything, and as you approach, a head appears, and as you get closer, a smiling face greets you, corporate uniform all as if ready for a “Cat Walk” and a “Photo Shoot,” and then a cheery voice greets you, fears evaporate in a moment, “May I Help You?” Your reason is given, a few quick clicks of a keyboard, “Yes they are expecting you, Welcome.” Another attendant, also impeccably dressed steps up, “Let me take you there, I know the way to the 147th floor office that you are looking for.” Directed to the Elevator and up it flew to its top floor, out at that floor, and there spread out before you is a whole floor or landing, with viewing windows in abundance, snack bars and coffee shops, with lounging chairs tastefully placed in groupings, potted plants and trees decorate and making the surroundings so inviting. But then it is over to another Elevator, and in no time at all, the light flashed the 147th Floor, doors opened directly into an opulent suite, carpets so soft you seemed to swim through them, and your guide easily led you up to the Secretary, also impeccably dressed, she led you to enormous floor to ceiling wooden doors, that glided silently open, and you were swept into the office, introductions made, you try not to collapse too quickly into the deep leather chair, but you have arrive, safely, and on time, to the right Office.
So how well do you and I represent Jesus and Heaven? Always “Perfectly Representing Heaven?” Are we always, properly dressed, in “Corporate Uniform?” Do we represent Heaven, in Speech, Deportment, Appearance, Perfectly manicured, polite, and courteous? Romans 12:1-2 JB Phillips “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Do not let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meeting all his demands and move towards the goal of true maturity.” This is the best Phrase, “Do not let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.” But this is the very very best part, “Do not let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould.” We are to be moulded into the very image of Jesus Christ, transformed, recreated, and not to be ever wearing the corrupted impress of this sinful world.
Ephesians 6:20 “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Now Heaven views us as “Ambassadors,” someone who clearly represents their country in the way they live, speak, interact with everyone, they dress right, speak right, represent right, just like the “Receptionist” in our opening paragraph. So are we good Ambassadors, perfect Receptionists, Guides and Ushers, do we direct people into Heaven, or do we drive them far away from Heaven by our bad behavior and evil characteristics? Ambassadors eat the food of their native homeland, and share it with others around them, they play the music and sing the songs of their homeland, so how much of “Heaven” do we display to others here on earth, or do we even “Represent Heaven,” or just even totally “Disrespect Heaven” by the way we live, act, talk and behave? Could “The Receptionist” put us all to shame?
There was a catchy song around some years back, that went like this; “I’m in the Lord’s Army, I’m in the Lord’s Army,” and so it went on with a military theme. The song tells about, even though we may not serve in your Countries Military, we as Christians are actually declaring that “I’m in the Lord’s Army.” Now as a military soldier, to turn up on “Parade” with incorrect, incomplete, un-pressed, dirty, buttons not polished to perfection, shoes not all polished to perfection, then you are certainly in a very serious predicament, even “The Receptionist,” would get top marks for being properly dresses and perfectly presented, so how well would you and I fare if we were to stand amongst them? 2 Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” We are on “Parade” daily, 1 Corinthians 4:9b “for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” So how well do we represent Heaven, moment by moment and day by day? Are we a good Receptionist, Ambassador, Soldier of the Cross? Are you in “Full Corporate Uniform” all ready for a Parade Inspection?
Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG “And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over, but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Always stay in “Full Uniform” and “Always” be ready for when Parade is called.
