Ut Prosim

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

-- James 2:14

Is Jesus a Hokie?

Although most people--particularly University of Virginia and James Madison fans--would answer that the Savior doesn't play favorites when it comes to college sports, it's still probably safe to say that Christ closely identifies with Virginia Tech's motto. Literally carved in stone on the scenic Blacksburg campus are the words Ut Prosim, which is Latin for That I may serve.

Serving others and giving back go hand-in-hand with being a Christ-follower. Indeed, we're called to serve as Jesus' hands and feet on earth while we wait for his return--or at least until that day when he calls us back home. Until then, God wants us to help prepare his kingdom by making the most of the gifts and talents he's given us. What's more, we're to serve as a beacon amidst the darkness of today's so-called progressive, enlightened society.

"Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise you Father in heaven."

That's how Jesus puts it in Matthew's Gospel. But what sort of light is he talking about? It's really that spark or inner power that God grants each Christ-follower for demonstrating his goodness through their words and deeds. For example, we can shine a light and serve by running a much-needed errand for an elderly neighbor. We can help clean up a neglected school or a community park--or even work in a food pantry or visit the residents of a local assisted living community. There's no shortage of options.

Why is this principle of service so important for Christ-followers?

"In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served," Jesus explains. "He came to serve other and to give his life as a ransom for many people." Our Master--Jesus--embodied a service-focused life during his ministry. So as his modern-day disciples, we should turn our faith into actions of service by accepting his invitation to shine a light of hope and truth.

Let's wind things up by considering the original question: Is Jesus a Hokie? Whether he is or not, let's limit our rivalries to the football field and basketball court and become of one mind when it comes to serving others. It's one time that every Christ-follower (whether they're a Wahoo, Tar Heel or even a Mountaineer) can agree to live out Virginia Tech's Ut Prosim motto and become just a little bit more like our Savior.