‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
There is so much to the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador does not speak on his own authority; his own opinions mean nothing. He represents the King who sent him. He is more than a messenger; he is a representative.
God has entrusted to us His message of reconciliation. God is making His appeal through us. This is why it is important for us to know His desires, values and priorities.
One might say that eliminating pain, poverty, and suffering would bring people true contentment. However, addressing the external needs won’t satisfy our spiritual needs. Even without pain, poverty, and suffering, you can still feel empty deep inside.
If we don’t address the deepest need of the human soul which is to know God, we’ve just given people a version of empty consumerism. Jesus always addressed the external and the internal needs of mankind. Meeting the external needs first gives us the opportunity to address the most important spiritual needs of people’s lives.
As an ambassador of Christ we should be the representative that shows others the love of God. Simply telling others that God loves them is not enough. We must prove it.
Pray
Lord, there are people all around me that need to know Your love and grace. Help me to represent You in such a way that people cannot resist the need of knowing You personally through Jesus Christ.
