Ambassadors for Christ

^“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

We hear these word spoken now and then, but how often do we stop to understand what it truly means to be an ambassador? In political understanding, an ambassador is one who represents the one who sent them to the people they are sent to. Every word, deed and attitude reflects on the person or body that sent the ambassador out. If the ambassador is rude, it reflects on the sender. If the ambassador is cruel, it reflects on the sender. If the ambassador is disrespectful, it reflects on the sender. At the same time, it is the job of the ambassador to faithfully represent the will of the sender.

If we understand the role of ambassador this way, and honestly reflect on ourselves, how are we doing as ambassadors for Christ in the world He commanded us to reach? The Great Commission was a command to go out to every nation and people and make disciples. We were instructed to do that by not only preaching the Gospel, but also by living out the commands of Christ as a demonstration to the world of God’s great faithfulness, power and glory. We are called to fellowship with other Christians, but we are charged with being ambassadors to those who are still lost in the world.

We are to carry God’s love into the world around us. We are to carry His peace into the world around us. We are to carry His joy. We are to treat others with patience, goodness and kindness. And we are to keep ourselves faithful, gentle and self-controlled. We are to do all that while unequivocally declaring the Gospel to the world. Sounds like a pretty tall order, yet God tells us that with Christ all things are possible, even this.

As we go out into a world that is still heartrendingly lost in darkness, let us each remember that we represent the Savior. He has called us each to be His ambassadors. And the world is watching us to see what He looks like. Be blessed and be a blessing.

Prayer

Father, give us Your Spirit to help us find the words, deeds and heart that will allow us to boldly proclaim the repentance of sin and the salvation of Christ. But that will also let us humbly serve those we seek to reach. Let our hearts be made pure by the Spirit, and let our reflection in the world be one that brings You honor and glory. In the name of the Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.