From time to time, we all have things pop up that throw a wrench into the works of our usual schedule, and as it turns out, I'm not immune.

I work in radio, and I host a local radio show that meets people in their cars on their way to start their day. However, on a recent morning, I had some appointments, so I prerecorded a portion of my on-air work the previous day.

I typically spend some thoughtful time preparing the things I'll talk about through the morning. I even prepare and plan to talk about what people think about as they head to work or school. In addition, there are remarks I'll make in passing – things that strike me at the moment or come out of something I recently read or heard someone say – and on this particular day, I made one of those passing remarks that caused someone listening to respond with a text message after it played on the air the following day.

Keep in mind that the number of comments and stories I might share over the course of a week (three and a half hours a day, five days a week) is considerable. Suffice it to say: I don't always remember exactly what I said.

The text message I received was, "I want to be a bridge." Though it came as a result of one of those comments I made in passing, it was driven by something that had been in my notes for a while.

As a Christian, it meant enough to me that I jotted it down to keep it as close to top-of-mind as possible.

What I said was more of a question on this day.

I asked, "What kind of representative are you as a follower of Jesus? Are you a bridge, or are you a barrier to people coming to Christ?"

Honestly, these questions should be top-of-mind for anyone who calls themselves a Christian.

What we do, the things we say, the love and compassion we lack or show – they all factor into what those around think and believe about who Jesus is.

Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in ancient Corinth, "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)

As an ambassador, people equate the message we bring or send with one coming directly from the one we represent.

In other words, the opinions others form about the one who sends us depends, to a great extent, on how we treat them as we deliver the message.

Whether you represent your family, our government, the place you work or – in this case – Jesus, it's best to be true to what you declare.

And like the person responding to my questions that day, as a Christian, I want to be a good ambassador and bridge rather than a barrier to people coming to Christ.