Text- 2 Corinthians 5:20 “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ…”
In the world today, the apex in showbiz is to get an endorsement deal. Most artistes, athletes and the likes want a brand that will name them as an ambassador. They get special benefits from the brand and promote the brand passionately and display it proudly.
When we come to the diplomatic sphere, an ambassador is a citizen of a country, who has been accredited as an official envoy of his/her country to another country, to reside there as a personal representative of the government.
Going by the explanations given above, what does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? What does it take to be one? What is an ambassador supposed to do? How should an ambassador behave? A lot of questions beg for answers.
You see, salvation is the greatest endorsement deal you can ever receive. What you got saved, you received an endorsement deal from Christ. This qualifies you for special benefits from him, and compels you be promote his ‘brand’ passionately by preaching the gospel.
Furthermore, we understand that as Christians, God has called us out of this world and transferred us into His Kingdom (John 15:19, Colossians 1:13) so much so that Paul said in Philippians 3:20 that we are citizens of heaven.
This implies that although we live in this world, we are but official envoys of the Kingdom of God to this world. We reside in this world as personal representatives of the government of heaven!
It is such a great privilege and distinct honor to be an ambassador for Christ; to be chosen to be an ambassador to represent the greatest and only God there is, the Lord Jesus Christ.
In his book, “Designed to Be Like Him”, J. D Pentecost says and I quote
“There can be no higher goal. There can be no higher ambition. There can be no higher purpose than that which the Word of God puts before us as the chief end of the child of God, to glorify God. The greatest goal in the believer’s life is not his own enjoyment of his salvation. His highest goal is not learning the truths of Scripture, nor even teaching and preaching the Word. His greatest goal is to live Jesus Christ so that men may know the Father.”
Our true vocation as believers is being an ambassador for Christ. As such, we must live a life that represents Him correctly, be in constant communication with Him through His word and through prayers, and speak His message to the world knowing fully well that we are backed up by His authority.
PRAYER
Lord, help me forthwith to live circumspectly and fulfil my assignment as your ambassador to this world in Jesus Name.
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