Thinking SPACE – October 2019
Ambassadors for Christ
The Apostle Paul writes in his second letter to the Corinthian Church (Chapter 5:20) “so, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
So what is an ambassador?
An ambassador represents someone – usually a ruler – a king, or a president. They need to have many skills, strengths and qualities to be the best of representatives;
Ambassadors need: –
- Knowledge: A good ambassador knows exactly who and what they represent and what the message or view is that they are required to communicate. An ambassador needs to study and learn the will of the one who sent them.
- Wisdom: A good ambassador must be skilled in diplomacy; they must communicate what the king or ruler wants in an attractive manner.
They must demonstrate gentleness, tact, and diplomacy, both demonstrating and commanding respect.
- Character: An ambassador’s behaviour and conduct must reflect accurately, truthfully and with integrity the person he or she represents.
An ambassador must not be a pushover!
Paul tells us that we are ambassadors for Christ.
So, like all ambassadors, we must know who it is we represent and what the message is that we convey. We must strive to be Christ-like in our words and conduct – what we do and how we behave must reflect what we say, and represent accurately, consistently, reliably and dependably the one who sends us.
Paul says, it is as though God is making His appeal through us that the world needs to be reconciled to God (to be in a relationship with God).
So, it’s a high calling to be an ambassador for Christ. We are sent to do what the sovereign would do himself if He were present. We need to be good representatives of the King of heaven. As ambassadors we transact the business which the Son of God would engage in if He were here in body now.
Our work as ambassador is one of great importance and should be carried out faithfully, and with dignity. Such great responsibility requires courage, wisdom, honesty and integrity, as we are called to portray God who has entrusted a priceless message of reconciliation to us. In His wisdom the one who sends out as ambassadors puts His trust in us.
And the treasure we have to offer people in our ambassadorial role is knowledge of the love of God made real and known in the reconciling life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Revd. Janine Atkinson