Everyone stands for something. We all leave a legacy, whether good or bad, big or small. We leave imprints on lives, even strangers’ lives. We all hold up a banner that tells the world why we woke up that morning. We live to the beat of an anthem written especially for us.
What an Anthem Is
At its core, a Christian’s anthem should be to reflect the glory of Christ in any way possible (1 Corinthians 10:31). That means serving, obeying, trusting, and praying even when the going gets tougher. Our deep desire is Christ—and anybody should be able to see that through the fruit of our works (Galatians 5:22–23).
But further than that?
Is your anthem declaring that you are a light in a dark world? That you’ll live selflessly, humbly, without expecting anything in return? Or is it to love boldly, extend grace freely, and forgive with no grudges? To teach, preach, and live by the Word?
Why You Need an Anthem
Without an anthem, there’s not much purpose in the day. Anthems show the world why we choose to go out and live for God. Our purpose—aligned with our gifts—is like a war beat that brings us into battle.
Everyone sings an anthem. It’s not yours to create but is yours to recognize and live out (1 Peter 2:9).
How to Identify Your Anthem
If you’ve been praised for your teaching skills or for choosing to serve in the background, you might have the anthem of mentorship or serving. Perhaps you’ve brought a friend to Christ—your anthem is to share Him everywhere you go.
Or maybe you’ve done nothing extraordinary.
What is the deep conviction of your heart? What nags at your soul? What do you dream of doing? That’s your anthem.
For me, we live in a callous society—and it includes Christians. We live for ourselves. We only give if we expect to get. We serve for bragging rights. We take what we want, isolate, and dull the mirror made to reflect Christ. Instead of lamps on a hill (Matthew 5:15), we are a dying flame hunkered among the masses. And I think there’s room to change.
So what about you?
How to Live Out Your Anthem
Start with a little goal. A little goes a long way, especially when it reminds you to just start without letting fear hold you hostage. If you feel a nudge to serve, help a church member through the door. If that doesn’t seem bold enough, reach out to your neighbors and see if they need anything—maybe a shoveled driveway, a ride to the grocery store, or gift ideas for a granddaughter. But don’t wait for a “better day.” Start now.
Pray. Ask God for opportunities, thank Him for them, and request that He help the people you see, even if you don’t yet know how to help them yourself. You can always pray.
Keep your eyes open. Watch for little needs around you, translate them into ways you can help, and then do that. Train yourself for a laser focus that sees things you usually wouldn’t notice.
Follow the nudges. If you see a need and feel conviction, don’t look away. You can help. If you’re scared, get a friend’s support. And keep praying.
Every day is a chance to reflect Christ. How you do that depends on your gifts, passions, and pursuits. Pray for opportunities and courage to live out the anthem God wrote for you before the beginning of time.
God is not done writing your story. Today is proof of that.
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