Every year I get a letter from an organization now that my kids are still in school offering a chance for them to be Ambassadors and have the opportunity to travel. It's always fun to read about the trip but we are often stuck on the price to send our kids for a week to 10 days on a trip quite literally at times around the world. Sometimes it's exotic locations like Egypt or a European journey through Paris, Italy and Germany, an opportunity to visit things we've only read about in the History books. Sometimes I wonder if my own parents received letters and never shared them with me because the cost is always an issue.
It reminded me about a study I did this morning in my devotions about developing our own character as representatives in Christ. As believers we are Ambassadors for Christ in everything we do or say. What we need to stop doing is living for people. What people will think about us when we fall at times, like all Christians do. We are representatives for the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to show people what Jesus Christ looks like because they may not have heard about Him, read about Him and they certainly can't see Him any longer since He left the Earth so many years ago.
If you think about your day to day dealings with every single person you interact with such as family, friends and even strangers. We need to understand that its never about us, but about Him. Jesus is trying to reach someone through us. We either honor Him or dishonor Him in everything we do or say. WOW! Did you catch that?
We can't act like everyone else we see. We need to develop new habits and realize with time growing shorter and the persecution of Christians everywhere growing more intense, now is the time to shine for God. When people are suffering and dealing with the struggles of this world instead of praying for their problems to cease, perhaps we could offer prayers for endurance, comfort and strength. There is a huge learning that happens when we endure the storms of life. Paul never prayed for the problems of the church to go away, but for them to have the strength to endure and learn from them.
We need to make sure we are putting forth our very best in doing what we can for God. I don't mean perfection but excellence. The very best to our ability, giving God your very best you can offer today.
You don't want to leave this earth simply being takers but to leave a legacy behind that shows what an impact you offered to give God opportunity to work through you. Are you open? Are you ready to show the excellence in what you offer people today? Are you ready to be an Ambassador for Christ? God needs you to reach others today. Remember it's not about you, it's all about Him!
"We are therefore Christs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christs behalf: Be reconciled to God." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:20
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5 comments:
This was perfect! We just got back from a trip and well, I wish I could have read this to several people. Thank you!! You are truly a blessing.
:) I used to get those letters when my kids where in school too, but you're a deeper thinker than me and I like where you went with it.
My daughter used to get those too-usually for a soccer tour. You are right though about our focus.
Hugs, Noreen
I loved how you explained this. Very easy to understand and makes total sense. My kids used to get the same letters but the price was always exhorbitant and we never could afford to let them go, sadly.
Thank you for an informative and loving column today.
Paul called himself an ambassador bound with a chain; is that the right style?
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