Banes S. Lal
Imagine this: You are standing in a busy city square, surrounded by people from all walks of life. In the middle of the crowd, you are not just another face but an ambassador representing Christ to a world in desperate need of His love and redemption.
The word "ambassador" typically evokes thoughts of a politician who serves as a representative for a country in a foreign land. This individual may be responsible for negotiating agreements, meeting with foreign leaders, and acting as a mediator in times of conflict.
As Christians, we are to be Christ's ambassadors, as the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20. Let us make the connection by reading 2 Corinthians 5:17–21.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
But what does it mean to be Christ's ambassador in a world filled with complexity and confusion?
Being Christ's ambassador isn't just about wearing a title; God has called us to represent Him to a world that is lost and in need of salvation. As we strive to become more like Jesus, the world will be able to see His character reflected in us. This is our mission and our purpose as followers of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
So how are we, as followers of Jesus, sheep of the Great Shepherd, supposed to be ambassadors of our Lord and Saviour? What does becoming an "ambassador of Christ" in 2 Corinthians 5:20 mean?
Paul imparts wisdom, encouragement, and guidance to the believers. Telling them to seek the true meaning of their higher calling, contribute liberally, and reject false beliefs. This higher calling is the central message in Chapter 5 of the letter, where he emphasizes that God is the ultimate judge of all creation. In 2 Corinthians 5:11, he writes, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences." As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects our faith and to persuade others to do the same out of love, reverence, and fear of the Lord.
Paul wrote that we are to no longer live for ourselves but for Christ, "him which died for them, and rose again" (v. 15). We are a "new creation" (v. 17), reborn and reconciled to God. Paul indicates that the ultimate goal is reconciliation. Once separated from God by sin, in Christ, we are now rejoined with our Heavenly Father. This opportunity is available to all who repent and put their faith in Jesus. Every Christian bears the responsibility to do their part to spread that message so that all people can be reconciled.
Given all this, Paul then writes our key verse: "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20). By "ambassadors of Christ," Paul emphasized that Christians are ambassadors of God and should conduct themselves accordingly. We have an important job: showcase Christ and deliver His message so others can know Him, too.
Bearing the Light with Grace, Courage, and Commitment
An Ambassador must behave respectfully towards the people receiving their message, knowing they are being watched for what they do and say, and stand firm in their faith and allegiance to God. Jesus tells us in John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." In Ephesians 4:29, Paul tells us, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." In 2 Timothy 2:22-24, Paul further urges that we must "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient."
Our actions as the Lord's ambassadors reveal who we are. As we are to model Jesus, our message is more effectively accepted when it is given with grace, compassion, and love. It draws people in, not away from us. It isn't always easy and requires humility, courage, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones.
As ambassadors of Christ, we are to bring unity and shine light into the darkness. The ambassador also brings the message of peace. We know that only God's saving grace brings true peace, and we want to share the message with all people so they, too, can know that peace. We shine the light of Christ into the darkness in the hopes that someone might hear the message and answer His call.
Though a good ambassador should make an effort to get along with others, their primary duty is to their sender. Remember—a good ambassador should remember our job is to represent God, knowing that the forces of darkness oppose the word of God. If we stand firm in our faith, we stand with Him no matter what. Paul urges in Ephesians 6:11-12, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
It takes courage and commitment, yes. But as Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
We are ambassadors to this world on behalf of another kingdom. Jesus tells us that his kingdom is not of this world. We are ambassadors of that kingdom. Our citizenship is in heaven. We're aliens and strangers - passing through.
We are not to take sides in any particular dispute—political, cultural, or otherwise —nor are we to make judgments on society. We don't pray for the policies of our elected officials but for the leaders to make wise decisions. We pray wars cease, not one side to destroy the other, no matter who they are, but both sides to stop the hurt and suffering.
So, let's start by being intentional about our words and actions, seeking opportunities to share His love with those around us. Whether through a kind gesture, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement, striving to embody the message of Christ in all that we do.
We are to walk with the Lord not in the shadows but in the light.
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