The word "ambassador" in the dictionary means "An accredited diplomatic agent of the highest rank, appointed as the representative of one government to another. Any personal representative or messenger."
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
I am an ambassador for Christ - and so are you! We need to show people what and who and why and where Jesus is. We must live as as ambassadors for Christ so people see Him in us! I've been assigned to do this in my family, among my friends, and in my church. It's my calling and my honor. Yours, too.
I believe I'm living in a different world than this secular world we are in. I live in God's/Jesus' government.
Let's face it, being an example (ambassador) is often about being different. But most of us don't want to be different. We want people to like us, and the safest way to do that is to blend in. I can't tell you how many times I've agreed with someone who I know is going against the teachings of Christ, or just kept quiet. I don't like to cause waves. I want everyone to like me. But following Jesus has never been about blending in. Following Him means to be like Him, to respond to life and relate to people as He did. It's a little risky and uncomfortable to be different. But that's what being an "ambassador for Christ" is all about - - bringing the wonderful difference of your King to bear on the territory you've been assigned to. What an honor!
Make a difference by daring to be different.
6 comments:
Gee...and here all these years I've been trying to fit in...Hahahaha...
All kidding aside, Mom, this is a great teaching. I have not thought of it this way. Thank you for this study. I enjoy reading everyone's comments.
I want to be an ambassador for Christ and will read this passage to meditate on today.
Very good teaching Mom. Thank you.
Good point. No one likes to operate outside of their "comfort zone." Speaking up when it is not popular is very difficult to do.
There is a lot to digest in the 2 Cor passage. When we think about the amazing sacrifice God gave through His one and only Son so we could have a relationship with Him it puts a different perspective on being ambassadors. How can we be anything less?
Thank you for sharing your studies, Mom!
I love 2 Corinthians 5:17. When I first accepted Jesus as my own, I copied those words and posted them everywhere so I would see them constantly throughout the day. I memorized that verse. And each time the Devil tried to convict me of the old creature I was, I recited that verse. Change is hard. I do not have any trouble being different, if you like me - AWESOME. If you don't like me - oh well. I guess I am willing to discuss God and Jesus and speak out when I hear or see things that run contrary to the laws of God comes from my own personal horrid past and the amazing transformation in my spirit when Jesus entered my life. How could I ever not want to make sure others know that awesome, wonderous, life-altering experience? It is my responsiblity. And let me tell you that, just recently, I have been called a freak, a dork... I have been told I live in "la-la land", told I am unrealistic, believing a fairy story... on and on. I don't like it at all. It makes me feel isolated and like I am a freak. But I am not here to please anyone but the Living God. And if I want to say, "He's my God too and I love Him," when someone says "Oh my God," like they are swearing, well then I am going to say it. If someone says the g.d. word in a conversation with me, like angry customers do, then I am going to tell them how offensive and life condemning that is. Whatever the consequences, God has my back. But there are occassions where biting your tongue and not saying anything is very important. You know what I mean? Situations that would only escalate into very tense and adverse events because others are not in a place where they would be ready or willing to hear what I have to say. Those are times when the door is closed and I just have to be on the alert for a window to be opened. It always happens. I have not been a good ambassador of late. It is my failure in being too wrapped up in my own troubles. Forgetting 2 Cor 5:17. There is a change in the wind, and the driving force is Aunt Lonnie's teachings. I like to remember the words in Matthew 5:13-16.
You're right, Mickey. Sometimes, well, most of the time, it's hard to know if speaking out or being quiet is called for. I tend to be quiet because I don't want to offend or turn anyone off, or I just don't want to be made fun of. Like you, I have a hard time letting it go when people swear God's name or Jesus' name. When I say something at that moment, I am witnessing for Christ. At least it makes people pause and think about it.
I looked up both of those verses you were referring to and they are indeed powerful!
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