2 Corinthians 5:20-“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
God”…
Most countries of the world have representatives
called ambassadors in various countries that
maintain a working relationship with us. Being called an ambassador is a
very important position or title every diplomat in the Foreign Service will
aspire to become.
Who
is an Ambassador
An ambassador is the
highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a
foreign country, government or to an international organization. Sometimes
countries also appoint highly respected individuals as Ambassadors –At- Large
who are assigned specific responsibilities, and they work to advise and assist
their governments in a given area. The word is also often used more liberally
for persons who are known, without national appointment, to represent certain
professions, activities and fields of endeavor. Eg UN, FAO, WHO, etc.
In everyday
usage, it usually applies to the ranking government representative stationed in
a foreign capital. The host country typically allows the ambassador control of
specific territory called an embassy, whose territory, staff, and even vehicles
are generally afforded diplomatic immunity in the host country.
Importance of
an Ambassador
The ambassador system was initially used to
disperse information and to protect the more vulnerable states from the larger
states during the Italian wars before it became popularly used. An ambassador
was used as a representative of the state in which he is from to negotiate and
disseminate information in order to keep peace and establish relationships with
other states. This attempt was employed in the effort to maintain peaceful
relations with nations and make alliances during difficult times.
Qualifications
Apart from his academic
qualification, Pass the Foreign Service Exam and work your way up the ranks or be
extremely politically connected. Those who are
capable of solving problems quickly and fairly, while encouraging diplomatic
relationships, will make top-notch ambassadors.
one simple definition of diplomacy is that it is the oral aspect of international
relations. There is an essential difference between what is written and what is
spoken, not only because spoken words are essentially more ephemeral (verba
volant), but because the spoken language has infinitely more nuances, being
both richer and more subtle than written texts.
Note also that an ambassador who
fails to fulfill the ideals of his nation can be recalled, demoted or
dismissed.
So,
who is an ambassador of Christ
An
ambassador of Christ involves more than people not finding discrediting things
about you and more than just being sacrificially committed. God wants us to
expose by positive contrast the emptiness of life in the world so that people
are attracted to the lifestyle available to them through Christ. In vs 6, Paul summarizes some qualities that
should distinguish us as people of a good
God.
An ambassador
of Christ is:
- a born-again
believer in Jesus Christ and Him only
- a Holy
Spirit- filled and depends on the Holy spirit for power, guidance and
counseling
- and he leans not on his own strength.
- a messenger
of God through his saving grace to preach the message of
reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ.
- Knowledgeable in the understanding
of the Christianity. We need to
study the Bible and other related critical issues so we can intelligently
represent him (2 Tim. 2:15). Despite the opportunity to
understand our faith, most Christians are ignorant today because we fail
to study and rather want to be thought instead of getting into the Word ourselves.
·
Ready at all times and alert for chances to represent Christ
and will not back away from a challenge or an opportunity.
·
Patient. An Ambassador won’t quarrel, but will listen in order
to understand, then with gentleness, seek to respectfully engage those who
disagree.
·
Tactical. An Ambassador adapts to each unique person and
situation. With wisdom he challenges bad thinking, presenting the truth in an
understandable and compelling way.
·
Clear. An Ambassador is careful with language and will not
rely or resort to empty rhetoric.
·
Fair. An Ambassador is sympathetic and understanding towards
others and will acknowledge the merits of contrary views
·
Honest. An Ambassador is careful with the facts and will not
misrepresent another’s view, overstate his own case, or understate the demands
of the gospel.
·
Humble. An Ambassador is not proud, knowing that his
understanding of truth is fallible. He will not press a point beyond what his
evidence allows.
·
Attractive. An Ambassador will act with
grace, kindness, and good manners. He will not dishonor Christ in his conduct.
·
Dependent- An Ambassador knows that effectiveness requires joining
his best efforts with God’s power.
Who is not Christ’s ambassador?
An ambassador
is:
- Not a church-goer only but a practical Christian
- Not one who has no salvation through Jesus Christ
- Not a compromiser of the world
- Not Praised by men
How to become a faithful ambassador
An ambassador
should always be abreast with modern happenings in the world and his country.
Likewise, an ambassador of Christ should be knowledgeable about the things of
God to be able to represent Him better. To be a faithful and enduring
ambassador, the Christian should:
- Be prayerful
- Study the scriptures fruitfully and live by it and not set the
word of God to his control (2Tim. 2:15, 2Tim. 3:16,James1:22)
- Have the Holy spirit and let Him teach you (1John 2:27)
- Should be a witness. Ready to share the word of God with others.
(matt. 28:19-20)
- Should not eschew fellowshipping (Heb. 10:25)
- Separate yourself from the world (James 1:27, 1John 3:13)
- Should be patient and have a good report of himself ( I Tim. 3)
- Take stock of your life regularly (2Corin. 13:5) and check
whether you are in the faith
Rewards for being a good ambassador
- You will be blessed spiritually and physically (eg. Abraham)
- You will be awarded on the last day of the Lord’s coming (2Corin.
5:10)
Challenges of an Ambassador of
Christ
- Hatred from the world
- Isolation, rejection
- Physical and spiritual attacks to hinder you from progressing the
word of God and living it.
Conclusion
The Apostle Paul
writes in 2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as
though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be
reconciled to God.”
Are you an ambassador of Christ? Are you
appealing to the unbelievers to reconcile with God? Are you reconciled with
God?
Amen!
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