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Last week I had the privilege of doing Hurricane Helene relief work in North Carolina, through Samaritan’s Purse, with a group from my church. I’d like to share some important reminders from the trip.

First, it’s vitally important that Christians live such that we maintain a strong “Christlike reputation” and witness in our communities. Two key verses are: 1 Pet. 2:12 – “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Also, Eph. 4:1 – “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (see also Col. 1:10 and 1 Thes. 2:12).

Similarly, second, we must follow Jesus’s example and love people in practical ways. 1 John 3:18 says, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” In Matthew 25, Jesus is talking about His return and God’s judgment. Verses 35-40 give a portion of His description of those who are truly His: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’” Jesus then says the righteous will ask when they did these things to Him. Then we read, “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” All Christians are ambassadors of Christ. We who live honorably and love this way represent Him best and make Jesus attractive to others.

Third, Christians must live in unity and build God’s Kingdom, not our own kingdoms. In John 17:23 Jesus is praying for the unity of future Christians and said, “… that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.” When we live in unity, doing God’s work together, it is a powerful testimony not only to the world, but also to the spiritual realm. (Eph. 3:8-11)

Last, it is devastating for people to lose treasured possessions; things that have meaning and valued family memories. How unsettling to lose the material necessities of life and things we enjoy. The Lord is understanding and compassionate. But here is the reminder. Even though it may not be easy, we must hold material things loosely. Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

In short, having a Christlike reputation, loving practically, and serving in unity presents a powerful witness for Jesus to those who need Him! It’s all for God’s glory!

David Edmonston is the pastor of Trinity Church in Prospect. He can be reached at davidetrinitychurch@gmail.com.