AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

When we speak of an "ambassador", and as it relates to this secular world, he or she is one who has been officially appointed to represent his or her country abroad, or in a foreign country that is. Obviously, such a calling is not only a massive undertaking but it also demands a serious, sincere and contrite heart in order to avoid any suspicions or evidence of hypocrisy or misconduct. Otherwise, the message of diplomacy will miserably miss the mark and fail to come to fruition. What a blessing to know that we know that we serve a results-oriented Savior. He has established a universal standard of conduct. Besides, He is our standard.

Now, to embellish on the above scenario concerning this vital role of an ambassador, as true believers we are Christ's ambassadors and we are sent with his message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation has an important responsibility. And we dare not take this responsibility lightly. How well are we fulfilling our responsibilities as ambassadors for Jesus Christ?

So let us strive to be steadfast in doing the work in accordance with the Word of God, and doing nothing less than His Word teaches us to do: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:13-15).

Though the above passage was penned by Paul the apostle during his imprisonment, and is included in one of his four Prison Epistles or letters, they contain some of the most liberating concepts imaginable! More specifically, and in the Scripture, they include the following epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Paul penned the book of Ephesians on behalf of the church located in Ephesus.

In that book, He makes reference to himself and announces publicly, humbly and courageously that his work was that of one who assumed the role of a prisoner being held captive by Christ. Furthermore, and to be specific, his plight was befitting of a Spiritual warrior for Jesus Christ.

And as authorized representatives of Jesus Christ; thus, we are being governed and guided by the Holy Ghost as His meek and lowly ambassadors. This is not a case whereby our actions reflect tradition, but clearly the official selection by the act of a commission. What a glorious and unspeakable blessing. And generally speaking, it is the remarkable and supernatural work of the gift of being FORGIVEN! It is vital that we all who have been chosen persist in encouraging one another to love and good deeds, and not falling prey or giving in to the frailties and fruitless endeavors of the flesh. The way to NOT giving in is to give all to the One who is all, and who loves all. However, He calls all to genuine repentance. An ambassador for the Son of the Living God, Jesus Christ, will undoubtedly reflect such character traits.

The needful message of salvation cannot be neglected, messaged, limited nor delayed. It is the bedrock upon which eternal life is founded and is the light upon which our steps are made both sure and secure. To be abundantly clear about how vital this message is and how we all have been given a charge or a stewardship to tend to it (so to speak), help remains readily in our reach. Now, trust that the Word will do what the Word was designed to do, so that this awesome responsibility will cease not to flourish and hold its ambassadors accountable over the duration of the process.

And one might ask how, and some might ask is this a certainty? Well, Jesus reminds us as He confirms this in His WORD: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." (John 1:14-18).

Prayer is a tool that no responsible, honorable and mature ambassador should leave home without. They are sprinkled throughout both the New and Old Testament books. One Old Testament prayer that comes to mind occurs in the book of Isaiah (52:6-10): "Therefore My people shall know My name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God."

Finally, my beloved, and as we bring to closure this precious and evangelizing message of hope, help and holy living as representatives of Christ, I leave you with His fruitful Word, as was lived and told by Paul the apostle and more specifically in this instance. He most enthusiastically makes his case suited in his SPIRITUAL ARMOR and as "an ambassador in bonds." When we speak of an "AMBASSADOR", in the same breath we are obligated to speak of one who is characterized as follows: "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:13-17).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_LelWyW7rw