Are you a MASCOT?

Mascots are a common symbol in our world today. Almost every sports team from middle school to the professional level, have a mascot. Often the mascot is a costumed person, donning an outfit that transforms them into a Spartan, Bear, Tiger, and/or any number of things you can think of. Companies, large corporations and small businesses, often employ mascots to sell their wares. Think of how many mall openings, car dealerships, pizza joints, and such have used characters/mascots to attract customers to their places of business. Mascots are part of our society and culture, we cannot deny. What if I told you Christians are to be mascots, as well?

I came across an article in my Sunday School literature, (‘Bible Expositor and Illuminator’ published by Union Gospel Press), in the Winter (Dec. 2016, Jan., and Feb. 2017) edition on page 138, that described what was taught at a mascot schools (no particular school was mentioned) to those that work as mascots. As I began to realize the spiritual ramifications of the particular characteristics/suggestions, I realized that WE ARE MASCOTS! No, mascot is not a word used in the scriptures, but another word is; ambassador. We find this word in 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Strong’s tells us that the Greek word: πρεσβεύω, transliterated: presbeuō, means “to be a senior, i.e. (by implication) act as a representative (figurative preacher):- be an ambassador.” (Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary).

Mascot might have been a word Paul would use if he was writing the New Testament today. I think the things that mascot schools teach (yes! they exist!) can be easily translated to a spiritual application for believers. Our lives are to be a reflection of WHOSE we are, as much as what we are. The very word ‘Christian’ denotes a follower of Christ, or someone ‘Christ-like’. Just as someone that puts on a ‘costume’ to become a character that represents an entity, we followers of Christ put on Christ, Galatians 3:27 (KJV) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

So let’s look at how we can apply mascot-ing to being a Christian:

Study and learn your character

If you are going to be a mascot you must understand what is to be expected of you. You can’t act like a dragon if you are a dragonfly. WE are told, 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT) “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” The KJV expresses it, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” Being a Christian is being as Christ-like as possible, and study of Him and what He would have of us is the only way to do so, Philippians 2:5 (ASV) “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Never let your voice be heard

Maybe you have noticed that mascots rarely if ever speak from behind their big foamy heads. There is a pretty clear reason: it would shatter the illusion of the character. Now, admittedly, we are not to be an ‘illusion’ of being a follower of Christ. Yet, we are to not let our self get in the way of letting Christ shine through us. Speaking for Christ should be done with His voice, or more accurately, His words, 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” The most important words are the words found in THE WORD. I think it is accurate to say we are to ‘hide’ behind or better, in, Christ, Colossians 3:3 (NLT) “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Never let your flesh be seen

Okay, this one is harsh, almost impossible to accomplish. In donning the mascot outfit, the schools encourage you to wear the complete costume, as each and every part is part of the whole, and don’t let any skin show, as it-again I’ll say-shatters the illusion. For the Christian, our battle is with our flesh, and it is a battle we often lose, I’ll admit. It is obvious thought that if we can hide the flesh (not in a nefarious but good way), then…we can shine forth our Lord more clearly. Paul warned of the freedom followers have, and the danger of the flesh poking through, Galatians 5:13 (HCSB) “For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”

Let a guide lead and protect you

I saw this particular principle on display in Disney World when we took our children, many years ago. Every character, be it; Eeyore, Mickey, or Goofy, was led by a guide (a ‘regular’ person) that made sure they didn’t trip, get to where they belonged, and didn’t get kicked in the shin by brats (my children were not, matter-of-fact, Mr. ‘Buzz Lightyear’ stepped on my son, traumatizing him for years). There is a powerful spiritual principle here as well, as Jesus talked of this ‘guide’ as well, John 16:13 (HCSB) “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.”

Build endurance to take the heat

If there is anything I learned from my mascot days, as the Pink Pig (my name was ‘Will Boar’-came up with that myself), was the need to be prepared to BE the mascot, especially in preparation. In 90-100 degree heat, having a large foam head and polyester pink fur-covering your entire body-can be dangerous if you are not prepared, such as being well hydrated. Being a mascot will, literally, suck the life out of you, and I think being a mascot for Christ might do, as well. Paul gives fair warning to that same idea, 2 Timothy 4:5 (NLT) “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”

CONCLUSION-Not of this World

Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz, on the occasion of the dedication ceremony for the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, on May 29, 2002, in Arlington, VA, gave a speech. At the end of the speech he told of a ‘test’ he would often use with newly appointed ambassadors.

“Let me conclude with a story from my time in office. When an ambassador had made it through the hurdles of nomination and confirmation, I invited him or her to my office and said, “Before you can leave, you have one more test. Go over to that globe and show me that you can identify your country.” Without exception, the ambassador-to-be spun the globe and located the country to which he would be posted.

One day, the late Mike Mansfield, already many years our ambassador to Japan and an old friend from my previous times in the cabinet, came in for a visit just before he was to return to Tokyo. I told him about my little test and said, “Mike, how about you?” He and I laughed, and he went to the globe. Mike put his hand on the United States and said, “Here’s my country.”

In this setting dedicated to representation, always remember Mike’s words. Be proud to be a citizen, let alone a representative, of the greatest country ever, the United States of America.” (http://turmoilandtriumph.org/shultz/diplomacy.php)

I think we have been given similar advice, about a better country, just as Abraham believed, Hebrews 11:10 (KJV) “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” We are citizens, not of this world, and ambassadors…mascots, for another, Philippians 1:27 (NLT) “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.”

#mascot #ambassadors #Christlike