The Bumper Sticker

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Posted by Connor on December 28th, 2007

photo credit: AntiochOG

I recently came across the story of Clay Kitchins from Houston, Texas. Kitchins, a Ron Paul supporter, has recently blanketed his car with bumper stickers advertising his favorite presidential candidate. In a video segment, Kitchins mentions how he has improved his driving etiquette now that he’s a marked (albeit unofficial) representative of Ron Paul.

The reason behind this behavioral improvement stems from Kitchins not wanting to be responsible for associative animosity. Should he cut somebody off in traffic, that person might, even if subconsciously, think negatively of Ron Paul or oppose him in the election.

The same situation occurs when a person travels on business as a representative of his employer’s company. Marked in a polo shirt or with business cards, you become associated with the label you have taken upon yourself. Should you act offensively or completely incompetent, your business will suffer.

What I find in these examples is a pattern for representing the Savior. When we take His name upon us—something we regularly and frequently promise to do—we become His representatives by association. If we mistreat another, refuse to aid the poor, or harshly judge somebody, we cast an unfortunate reflection up on the Man with whom we claim to identify.

Whether our representation is official (e.g. a missionary, bishop, or other called and sustained official) or not, we who claim to be children of Christ must remember the example we inherently set in the eyes of those around us. We may not have voluntarily marked ourselves with an outward token of our inward commitment (such as a bumper sticker, nametag, or uniform), but the mandate to take Christ’s name upon us requires that we each reflect His love and teachings to all who might be watching.

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4 comments so far. Care to chime in?

I would have to moderate my driving as well if I had such a “bumper sticker”, but I’d be willing to do it!!

#1 Frank Staheli | December 28th, 2007 6:58 PM

One thing I must say for Ron Paul supporters, though crazy, you are EXCEPTIONALLY polite. I can mock supporters right and left for their crazy tactics, and they are nothing but courteous back.

#2 salt h2o | December 28th, 2007 8:50 PM

Hey, I may be crazy, and I may support Ron Paul, but I’m not that crazy……..:-)

I’ve got a Ron Paul bumper sticker, but I taped it to my back windshield. I’ve had bad luck removing baked-on bumper stickers in the past. I’d feel a little sheepish driving around with it a year from now if he doesn’t win; you still occasionally see “John Kerry ’04″ stickers.

On the other hand, everyone loves art cars, as long as you don’t expect to resell them.

#3 Josh Williams | December 29th, 2007 7:59 PM

Good point about Whose Name we take upon ourselves. Your observation brings to mind the Kenneth Cope song, “What Have I Done With His Name?”

“…the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center.”

(1 Ne. 16:2)

Thanks for the self-induced guilt trip. :)

#4 Tim Johnson | January 22nd, 2008 1:54 PM