AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST

AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST. 

As Christians, it is quite common for certain choices we make or habits we have, to be questioned, many of which we do not think are a big deal. Some of these choices we make by virtue of who we are could be questioned thus: “oh is it because you’re a Christian” or “you’re one of those Christians?” In the face of such questions we may often find ourselves trying to defend our life choices to others. Yet we are called to not attack anyone who questions our faith or asks why we believe but rather reply them with respect and gentleness. “…but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 ESV

We do not have to talk endlessly about who we are not and what we do not do, instead we should try talking about who we are and what we do. The fact is that Christians are also human beings and even though our lives are centred around God, there is still so much we can say about ourselves. The world mostly views Christian life as restricted, but that is not so, what we are to do as Christians is to be “light” to the world;

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16 MSG

We cannot be “light” by pointing out to the world all that we do not do, it seems like that “oh-so-familiar” rule book, religion. We are more than that! We should talk more about God; His unfailing,  unconditional, unchanging love, and the good things He has done, is doing and will do in our lives. The person you see during your commute may not understand the Bible or the verses you throw at them, but they can definitely relate to your story and your experiences.

Look at the life of Jesus , He did not go around telling people what He did not do, or what He was not, He went around to tell them who He was , He healed the sick and raised the dead and gave sight to the blind. He treated all men the same, He never discriminated. He ate with the lowest (Matthew 9:10) and heard the grievances of army commanders. (Matthew 8:5-9). Two thousand years later there is no greater name than the name of Jesus.

We should however not let our Christianity be solely based on our good works, because they cannot buy our salvation. We are also not better than the unbeliever, the only difference is the grace of God through Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2: 8-9 ESV

As Christians we should not be trying to prove anything to anyone and if anyone despises us because of our behaviour in Christ, let Proverbs 4:18  be in our mind;  “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.” 

You are an Ambassador.

The following verses will help us  to uphold our status as Ambassadors of Christ.

“You are Christ’s body—that’s who you are! You must never forget this.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 MSG

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 ESV

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations— that’s what I had in mind for you.” Jeremiah 1:5 MSG

“What marvellous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognise us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.”                   1 John 3:1-2 MSG

God , our father has called us, he loves us dearly, and nothing can ever take that away. We don’t have to impress anyone and we don’t have to conform.

We are Ambassadors of Jesus Christ. 

Ifeoluwa Jaiyesimi ©

The Revolutionary Righter ©