Appointed Ambassador

Ambassador: 1. dimplomatic representative; a diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by one country as its long-term representative to another 2. official representative; an official representative of an organization or movement 3. unofficial representative; somebody or something regarded as an unofficial representative or a symbol of something (definition taken from the Encarta Dictionary: English)

Did you know that you are an ambassador? That all Christians are ambassadors? Now I don't mean in the diplomatic sense, though I suppose it's possible to be one in that way as well. What I mean is in the official and unofficial sense. We are representatives of Christ.

and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20 NKJV (emphasis mine)

What does that mean???? It means that not only are we to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, but that our actions and our words, in every sense, represent who and what Christ was for all human kind.

So how does one act as an ambassador; and more specifically as an ambassador for Christ? By first always being ready to provide an answer for the hope we hold in Him; and secondly by acting as Christ did, with agape love for all. That's true, unconditional love, people! Love according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

How can we do this, as fallible human beings? By learning each day who Christ was. He was not just a great man, or a visionary. He was a sacrifice for us all. The only sacrifice worthy enough to cover all our sins. How do we learn how to be like Him? Our lives a sacrifice? It is said very clearly in Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--- (emphasis mine)

And finally, I think, that we are to be proud of our appointment as ambassadors, and to always want to perform our duties to the best of our abilities, so that we might be rewarded for our desire to do our best. We will not always be the best ambassadors that we could be, however, it behooves us to learn our job responsibilities, don't you think? Blessings to you!

Photo of Prayer for Peace courtesy of moayad.com

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