2 Corinthians 5:20

Dan & Claire Maudhub consider the nature and importance of being an ambassador for Christ

Dan & Claire Maudhub

'We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.' 2 Corinthians 5:20

Without wanting to make you paranoid...everyone's watching you! Well that's what the Bible tells us. I wonder how often you stop to think about who is watching? Depending on what stage of life you are in, it might be your friends, your parents, your children, your classmates, your work colleagues, your neighbours, your congregation - those who know Jesus and those who don't.

People form opinions about us based on the smallest things and the smallest glimpses of our lives. Then if they know that we are Christians, they form opinions about the church, our faith and our God. We are meant to show the world what God is like, yet sometimes we can think being a Christian is just about us!

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul explains that we are ambassadors. An ambassador is someone who resides in a foreign kingdom and personally represents another to the people and authorities living there. I read recently someone put it this way:

'Ambassadors are connectors. They connect the lives of those they represent with the lives of those in their sphere of influence. And to be effective, the chosen appointees must live so that people are drawn to and find favour with them and those they represent'.

I don't know about you but I sometimes want to crack with the weight of the pressure to make a great 'appeal' to the people watching me! I want them to see the King the way I do; I want them to experience the life and peace that comes from living in His Kingdom. Is it just chance that they would connect with Him through me? I believe we can be really intentional about making our lives appeal to those with whom we want to find Godly favour:

1) Determine to let God's Kingdom order overtake your life. This is a deliberate, decided move to give over sin, fear and doubt areas to God; to turn away from ill-discipline, to commune with Him constantly until we love the things He loves and hate the things He hates; until our lives reflect Him in every area of our lives, not just the shiny happy Sunday part. We all need some help with this, so the second move should be.

2) Be influenced by people you aspire to be like. Paul told his disciples to 'follow me as I follow after Christ'. It is a good idea to be near people who are further on in their walk than you. Let their lives and attitudes rub off on you. Be intentional about being trained by people, or in places where the fruit of the lives you see, are what you would like to see reproduced in your own life. Jesus influenced His disciples to the point where the Pharisees looked at them and had to note that they were unlearned men, but they had obviously been with Jesus. They spoke like him, thought like him and acted like him.

3) Embrace your gifts and let them shine. Jesus said we should not hide our lamps under a bowl but put them on the lampstand for everyone to see. Our gifts and areas of strength are meant to display the Kingdom of God. It's not a pride thing. If there's pride in your motivation, ask God to deal with it (see point 1) but if God is working on your character then your gifts are meant to bring favour and life to those who see them.

4) Teach others. Be intentional about the people you are influencing. Don't do it by accident! Ask your leaders and let them guide you as to who and how you can pour your life into. Don't let the appeal stop with you!

God bless you as you step out as an ambassador for the King.