2066) When I taught Bible in North Carolina, I was asked to speak to churches, vacation Bible schools, civic organizations and more. In that community, I was known to represent the Bible and God.  

It was a responsibility which weighed heavily on me because I knew that in many ways, I fell short of being a good representative of God and his Word.  

I knew kids and adults alike were listening to my teaching and words, and they were forming a picture of who God is by my example, good and bad.  

This is what Paul is alluding to in Colossians 3:17. Here he tells us whatever we do and say, they should be done knowing we represent the name of Jesus.  

Though there is forgiveness and grace, being a representative of God is difficult.