Text: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
An ambassador. What a cool job – to travel all over and represent your country or company. To have the opportunity to talk about something you love with so many people who might not know.
An ambassador has a unique role beyond just that though. They have to be pretty trustworthy in their work. Not only to the people they are interacting with, but to the state or company they come from. Whoever sends them needs to know their ambassador is going to show the [1] best side and be able to rise to the occasion. The entity behind the ambassadorship has to have a great faith that the person they chose truly does love and believe in what they are sharing with others.
We’ve all been unofficial ambassadors at some point. When you love something, you want others to know about it. Think of a product or company you can’t get enough of. Great customer service, quick shipping, always the best prices. You’d tell all your friends, eager for them to know what they might be missing out on. Your admiration for that company would shine through to others. They would know you truly meant what you were saying.
In Corinthians Paul writes on how we, as Christians, are ambassadors to Christ. Jesus has called us to go among people and share His Word and love to them.
“That seems fairly elementary and straightforward,” you might think. And yet, there is so much more to it. To the world, we stand in as Christ. Broken, angry, hurt, desperate messes that we are, and yet He chooses us to be His light in a world of darkness. He trusts that we love Him enough to give our very, humanly, best[2].
We have the great responsibility of not only representing Him, but doing it in an authentic way that draws others in.
No spotlight.
No pay.
No fame.
We should do it because we love Christ so much, we can’t bear the thought of someone not knowing how that feels.
When we reflect the passionate, unchanging love of God, what do others see? Something forced? Fake? Eager to be noticed? Or do they see how much we want to be different, how thankful we are for a Savior whose grace covers all of our sins and faults?
Do we reflect the genuine love we have for a God that trusts enough to make us His holy ambassadors?
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74 thoughts on "a holy ambassadorship"
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Thank you Lord for your grace & mercy. Bless me & all of these ladies with courage, wisdom & compassion. Help us to be the ambassadors you can be proud of. Amen.
Oh, boy is this a weak point for me! I act ashamed way too often than I should. Needed this reminder desperately. Help me be a fitting ambassador for You, Lord!
So we are called by God to receive fresh start and at the same time called to tell others about the fresh start they can have. To no longer see them from a human point of view but a spiritual one. Yes, how loving and graceful of God to choose us to represent him in the dawnings of our fresh start out of the desperate mess we are he sends us to travel. Not just geographically, but throughout our heart and mind and into the hearts if others.
It's hard to talk to some people about the Lord because they think it's stupid or nerdy or a waste of time. Most people just laugh at you. But Lord, I just hope to get to a place where I have the confidence and skills to be able to reach people without seeming judgemental or "weird". I want people to look at me and say "wow, she's doing something right". Thank you Lord. :)
This passage is moving. It reminds you to minister to others, to take that extra step and be different then society. This is what I struggle with everyday. It’s hard for me to talk about God to others and what Jesus has provided us. When you are surrounded by others who don’t go to church. Where do you find that happy medium where you can influence without pushing friends and family away? I want to become more involved in church as well and struggle because my husband does not want to do any extra except go on Sundays. I want him to be a part of it with me. I pray that God will work in his life to trust in him that all things are great through the work of God and that he can find friends in church that he can build a brotherhood with.
I've been saved for very many years and I have hit that place where I know I love The Lord but I am drained from ministry and I feel like my fire for Christ is dying down and I'm seeking more for our relationship but often feel as if I'm coming up empty. How can I minister this way?
Lord I am your child and will never faulter or judge because that is your will. Please understand my humanity and keep me by your side.
lord.. sorry for always failing in being your ambassador.. in being your image in my surroundings
sometimes, a lot of times, I feel like I am pretending to be someone whom I am not.. I am putting a standard of how christian should be and trying to fulfill that standard using my own strength and logic.. I am tired! I know that every failure wont make me less worthy in your eyes since you love me so much.. the problem is not You, it’s in me.. I am the one who cannot accept failure.. I am the one who is condemning myself each time I fail my own standard.. jesus, teach me to love and accept myself..give me your sincerity, humbleness, and gentleness.. humbleness to just accept how imperfect I am..
Lord help me honor U n show others my love n fear 4U my almighty God. Use me as a vessel to bring others to Ur ways
Lord fill me with your words your wisdom your grace for those around me to see how amazing it is to have this unconditional love. Through you all things are possible. I love you Lord! Amen
God sent us His only Son to reconcile the world to Him. How powerful is that? It's as if God was saying, "I want you back!" He is jealous for our hearts. Why shouldn't I want to pass this message on? God entrusted us with this message. I pray that I strengthen my faith such that I am strongly convicted of the message of reconciliation. I cannot be a good ambassador of Christ until I have reached that point.
This was such a great example of how we should be living! What an amazing opportunity for us. Sometimes i struggle with how to present Christ to others, and this really helped to put a different perspective on it! Jesus please help me to be your ambassador today!
This day was especially helpful to me. I have been focusing more on sharaing my faith as one of my New Year's resolutions. "When you love something, you want others to know about it." This is a good way to think of it rather than, "This is my duty to share my faith. This is what Christ commands." Or, "I have to do this because I love God." I am going to try to have more of the mindset that I'm sharing my faith because I love it and want others to know about it! And I hope my enthusiasm will shine through so that others will see I am genuine!
I love how an ambassador is described in this…as someone who is the best at what they do and try can be a great advocate for their cause. If we applied that sort of love to Christ on a daily basis an always set our minds toward him..that would be simt incredible!
I am so blessed by all of you! Ellen MR you are in my prayers.. I know what it is to ache for your children’s salvation and peace. I have four teens and struggle at times with believing His promise for peace and protection. Take hold of your heavenly Father..he will deliver.
My God has chosen me to be an ambassador for Him and I at times i feel like I an doing Him a disservice! I coward out when I know that I should step up! Nevertheless I acknowledge my truth and move forward knowing that today I have another chance and there is no time to wallow in yesterday! Amen and Amen again!
I’m a bit behind, but this message is truly convicting to someone like me in the Mission field. I get so caught up in daily struggles sometimes I forget that I am ALWAYS on display!
I read the scripture and devotional yesterday but didn't understand it until this morning when I read the scripture in the Message translation. It is written this translation: "Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you." <~~~~ Knowing this and fully recognizing the importance of God in my life, I need not only live for him but showing others the love of Christ through me. Through my speech and actions, I am an ambassador for Christ.
May more grace be multiplied to us ladie to be an instrument of profit to The Lord and the ppl we encounter. Remain blessed ladies.
This speaks to me personally tonight.. I have a friend who is struggling through a breakup… I told her about our God… how loving and faithful he is… I told her how important is spiritual aspect to balance out our life, not just to chase the worldly material things… She said yes, she is more into the new age things.. and that's ok… she said.. how do you response to that? New age?
I pray for boldness also. I was so in love with my ex boyfriend that I could barely go a conversation without working him into the conversation. It was natural, and I didn’t worry about what others would think. Christ, on the other hand, has saved my life and continuously shows me grace and mercy, yet I don’t bring Him up in conversation nearly as much. It’s sad. I need courage to verbally share Christ with others.
Dearest Ellen MR, my prayer is for you tonight. May God’s breath flow on you, in you and all around you. May the light of his angels flood out the darkness and bring you and your family love and much needed peace. I claim it in Jesus’s name.
Just a side note; after a suicide attempt by my daughter, I went home and sent the most gut-wrenching cry out to God for help. He heard & answered. Sometimes in our darkest hours it is where God truly shows himself to us.
I guess a big thing that scares me to in being an ambassador for Christ…. I'm new at this and I don't want to tell someone wrong….. I was floored the other day(and mind you I too was floored when I heard this)… but in speaking with my sweetie who has just started going to church in the last year… I made a comment about The Son is the Father…. he said wait a minute…. God sent His son…. Yes this is true, He did, but God is the Son… He is The Father, The Son, and The Holy Sprit….. I just didn't know how to really explain it other then immediately texting more mature Christian friends to point me to scripture that could help me…. I found John 1:14 the word became flesh and made His dwelling among us…. then read to him my notes in my life application bible…. but yeah…. I sure don't want to get it wrong and turn someone away from instead of TO the Lord….. my other comment to sweetie was sometimes we just have to believe and have faith and realize we were not meant to know the WHY to everything…..
I try to be a good ambassador… I hope others can see that in me… I am NOT pefect, I sin daily in some form or fashion and because of that I wonder often what non believers think??? oh how can she profess to love God, look at her getting angry when someone cuts her off in traffic, or losing my sanity with a telemarketer, etc… sometimes you just want to shout I'm human….
Ellen ,i have 18 year old son with asbergers . He have not a rageproblem, and he does not have big mental problems, but still he makes me sooo frustrated. Things got a bit better when he turned 16. You are in my thoughts, i know how difficult it is. I too have 2 more kids to look after. I will pray for you and your family.
I really need to put more effort in being an ambassador. On top of that “holy”…WOW!
I guess I always thought you had to speak the word of God, but now I understand it a little differently. You show God in your actions and your words. It's how you live your life and treat others. This definitely put a different perspective on it for me. Lord help me show the world your light and to be the best possible me I can be.
I’m not shining for Him lately…trying to do right, wanting His love to show thru me, but not much light is coming thru, only a flicker. And we need a torchlight!!
I’m feeling blocked, like all is anger and confusion in my household- my young son is nothing but pure rage, his Aspergers is overwhelming all of us! And my heart is just broken.
I NEED to be a light in his darkness! I need to be a safe harbor for my other kids!!!
I’m praying for strength, PATIENCE, and wisdom to handle this…he’s becoming suicidal…even tho I’m new in my walk with the Lord, I’ve ALWAYS known suicide is the ultimate sin!!
I’m sorry to burden you ladies, I’ve always drawn such insight and encouragement from your posts. Your prayers would be much appreciated today. I need all the help I can get. I humbly ask my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to help me show His love to my son, to let him know He is a light out of the darkness, that the Lord and I are there loving him, no matter what!! That there IS hope, and He is holding His hand out- he just needs to take it!
We will walk with him…
Saying prayers for you and your family!
You and your family are in my prayers. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Keep on reflecting Him.
Praying that the Father will bless and magnify your efforts today. That He will bless you with supernatural strength and wisdom. Also praying that He will reveal Himself in an awesome and powerful way to your son – in a way he can't resist or turn away from! Right now I am joining with sisters in Christ to pray a hedge of protection over you and your family. We are standing in the gap in the power of the blood of Christ!
As I prepare to travel overseas to study abroad, I need to remember that no matter where I go, I am to spread His LOVE and promises. I pray that He helps me overcome my fear, and truly love Him by sharing with others during my stay in Spain.
this is incredible! God spoke this to me last night!!!
Everyday when I open this devotional I know that it will speak to me thru the Word in exactly the place I need it in my life. Thanks!
I thank God I’m His ambassador. I love representing Him everywhere I go. I am never ashamed of Him because He gave me life, gave me a family and a Savior which is His son Jesus christ. Be blessed ladies!
"And yet He chooses us to be His light in a world of darkness…" I love that phrase "AND YET"! It is such good news- our God really gets us, He knows we are dust, He already knows how it's hard for us. But He chooses us because in His plan it's exactly how He's reaching the world-using clay pots like us.:)
This reading is such a great reminder to me as I am praying about making a fresh start. I must remember that my actions and words are not only a choice between choosing what is right/good and what is sinful, but they are also a representation of the God who I proclaim to follow and love. This is always the hardest and the best lesson for me because I often forget to think about my own actions and how they affect me and others around me. So often am I caught up in what is going on around me, whether it's my friend's problems, my families' concerns, my school work, or just things like television.
Thinking about yesterday's reading from Romans helps me to remember that Jesus will do our talking and our walking as an ambassador if we let Him. He will carry us through whatever situation the world throws at us because He is the Savior who waged our own war against sin and won. And He is the only way through which we will make the choice to daily denounce sin. He is the One who will make our steps right and He is the One who glorifies Himself in us. And when we are faithful, we will walk in His love.
This is so timely for me – I am taking over the second semester of a religious education class for teens tonight, and I just pray that His light shines through. Make me your ambassador Lord!
Gotta say that the women I admire are ones who are great ambassadors… But personally? I stink, but I'm commited to giving my life to Christ inside and out, so Lord, help me be better at sharing You in all my actions, thoughts and words!
Thank you for your honesty, lisabethjean. I think that about myself sometimes too. I have 4 young children, and am also dealing with terrible two's. Often, I think, "What about me? I'm tired of taking care of everyone else!" And I DO feel selfish for having those thoughts. I try to represent Christ to my family, but feel like I fail most days. Especially when I am sick and tired. Which is a lot lately. I really like the term ambassador, though. It puts representing Christ in a little bit different perspective.
Ah, Stephanie ~ terrible twos… That's a tough time for a mom, especially with three other young ones to nurture… I'm past that & into the "terrible teens" with 3 teenage sons. Actually, they're not terrible at all. God blessed us with three young men who do bicker with each other, but are respectful to adults & are starting to bear fruits of righteousness.
I would say on those hard days, view those tough chores as being done unto Christ. That nasty diaper, that broken glass, that purple carpet stain — you're cleaning, scrubbing, changing it for your Lord.
Verse 15 was the "kicker" for me today. Paul wrote: "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."
SHOULD NO LONGER LIVE FOR THEMSELVES! ~ wow! That is SO not me, unfortunately…
Also, with regard to ambassadorship, I find it mighty easy to live that way in public, where my life is on show — but at home, with my sons & husband — ouch! I do not represent Christ well, at all. I'm quite selfish & petty when it comes to the ones I love the most. That makes me sad. :(
Thank you for being so open. I feel the same way sometimes. Thank goodness His mercies are new every morning ! And He is always working!
Lord help me to be an ambassador you would re-appoint. Being that I am a bold person, when to be quiet and when to be bold. As quiet can be just as impact-full as a soap-box. Thanks you for this lesson and using our facilitator in the way you do. Thank you Lord.
This is a great reminder to all believers of our job, which is to tell others about His goodness!
I made a point one day to stop.saying, “something told me…” and instead say “the spirit/Holy Spirit told me…” When ppl ask, “how did I accomplish something?” I would not be ashamed to give God credit….You can always blame the good, in mercy and grace, because everything good comes from God!
Be Blessed My Fresh Start Women of God
"When you love something, you want others to know about it. ". That sentence hit me hard. I love The Lord but I know I haven't been sharing Him with the rest of the world. Thank you for this post. It has been a wonderful realization.
Today was another inward reflection. Yes, I love the Lord with my whole heart. The question I pose to myself is, "Do others know you love God with your whole heart? Do they know it by your actions/daily life, not your words?" I want to be known as an Ambassador, not a passenger!
great questions! they really spoke to me and reminded me that actions speak louder than words! and i too want to be known as an Ambassador not a passenger! thanks for posting!
I need my light and love to shine through me more with my family because I’m the only Christian in my family that lives close enough to 80% of my family.
Phew. That is a loaded question and one that has to be asked! And I stand convicted….because my answer is—not always. As much as I would love to scream a resounding YES! That isn’t the truth. Thank you for this perspective! And for reminding me that His light always needs to shine forth!
Well I don't have much to add except oh lord help me do better in this area!
The passage today was so inspiring! It truly opened my eyes to the fact that everyone is the same under Christ. He saved us all do we could be reconciled to God. Now I must be a beacon of light in the dark world by spreading that great gospel. It says that A person in Christ gets a fresh start! (paraphrased v17) If that doesn’t excite you, I don’t know what will. God has given me a fresh start and I need to share my excitement with everyone I come in contact with. This has been a challenge for me in the past so now I pray that I can open my heart and shower God’s love on others so they too can experience it!
May I see the face of Jesus in everyone I meet today, and may everyone I meet see the face of Jesus in me!!
I loved this devo so much . with all the noise and our emotions we totally forget we are daughters of the most highly how lovely it is . that we are also ambassadors for Christ i have heard it said we are the only bible some people will read if needed use words . i do get excited that we are loved by the King of kings and Lord of lords. thank you I am loving the she reads truth devotional.
Do they see something forced,fake or seeking attention when we share Christ with others? Really speaks to me that witnessing and discipling others has to come from a pure genuine love of Christ, not love of self. Otherwise they dont see Christ they see you, and thats not how Christians should witness. Very convicted and filled with hope for change and redemption in this area.
Wow, Steph-really spoke to me that when ministering people may see us and not Christ when we are acting out of anything but love for Christ. As a Sunday School teacher and Bible Study leader this is sooooo essential to make sure that I am focusing them on Him and never on me. Thanks!!
The Lord's command to us is to Love One Another As I have Loved You! My career lends itself to dealing with some who at times are so "unlovable", but that is when I can show them they are truly loved no matter what. I have watched lives and hearts be changed! The "unlovable" as they see themselves or they wouldn't behave that way are hurting and wanting and needing to be shown that (GNT)2 Cor 5:19 Our message is God was making all human beings His friends through Christ. That touched my heart. Cause doesn't everyone need that best friend who hears us without condemnation and will still love us through it All? Once love becomes the focus the scales fall away from your eyes and you can see how much God loves us! Wow!
Nance, my career is similar. I deal with people every day who have chips on their shoulders and are angry, etc. I try to be light to them and show love, but every day I always fall short. Thanks for this.
Thank you so much for this encouragement and deep full meditation of our hearts! Last night I was watching my home church’s sermon about how we should be connected to God and to others, the LEGO effect. If anyone is interested in watching it the sermon is on the bottom right of their website, it’s such a powerful and yet simple reminder!
http://www.crossroadschristian.org
Lord, let others see that I am real and I want others to see You in me. Please help me and others shine a light to those who don't see You. . .all with a kind heard and a peaceful mind. Amen.
Did you read The Shack? Wow what an amazing way to tell us about Jesus and His everlasting love for us! Thank you for sharing, Papa!
I read it Nance! At first I wasn't sure about it but you are right, it was an amazing way to tell the story of His love for us!
Jesus, you invite the weak in this world to show forth your glory and strength, help us to be your hands and feet, your compassion and love to others today, in your holy name we pray, amen.
Awesome post today! Lord I have never been accused of being shy :-)
Like a good sale, or a great recepie I get so excited when I share you with the world.
My relationship with you, what you have done for me and thru me I will never tire.
And if u never do another thing I praise u!
Lord as I make this journey let my walk reflect light, for we as humans are drawn to the light. Let my attitude, words, actions reflect Christ like qualities, for I want to always be a blessing and not a hindrance, lest I cause another to stumble.
Greater is he in me….
Lord give me the boldness to share Your word with others. Let Your light shine through me that I may be a true ambassador for you. Amen
I want others to see the Christ in me. I want to be real, not a fake, phony. Lord, help us reach this world for you.
Thank you ladies for such an amazing (and timely word). What really resonated with me was this part: "To the world, we stand in as Christ."
I have to ask myself, am I doing a good job of being Christ in the world? If I am honest with myself I'd have to admit that I can (and should) be doing better – thank you God for grace and mercy. Thank you ladies for the reminder and the encouragement.
May God continue to keep and bless us all as we become more like Him!
Lord, help me be a light in this world. Please give me a kind heart and a pure soul, and fill me with your love, so I can ovepour in other's. Thank you for loving me and trusting in me, Papa!
Oh God give me the confidence, and boldness to tell others of you.
“We should do it because we love Christ so much, we can’t bear the thought of someone not knowing how that feels.”
Lord, please ignite and keep aflame that passion for You! Give me a boldness to share that love with others–through my words, attitude, and actions. Thank you so much for loving me first!
Lord I love to be yours and yours forever. Help me to share your word to others.