On Behalf Of…

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20-21

St. Francis is known for his instruction to, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” This statement highlights the truth that we speak more often with actions than we do with words. Whether or not we realize it, our lives are constantly telling a story about God. But what kind of story do they tell?

In the verse above, Paul describes followers of Christ as “ambassadors.” What’s an ambassador? An ambassador is an authorized messenger or representative. It’s similar to how I relay my mom’s wishes to my younger siblings while she’s out of the house. Whenever she has to go somewhere, my mom authorizes me to speak on her behalf if situations or questions arise. For example, if my younger siblings ask for dessert or if they can stay up late, I deliver my mom’s answer to them, acting as her representative to my siblings.

Did you know that all of us already fulfill the role of an ambassador in some form? As employees, we represent the company we work for. As children, we represent our family. As a spouse, we represent our marriage. And as Christians, we represent Christ to the world.

How we live our lives says a lot about the God we serve. The world automatically sees Christians as a reflection of God, and they should!

After all, that’s what we are called to do as ambassadors. The real question is whether we are living in a way that represents God accurately.

Ask yourself this question: If your life was a description of God’s character, what kind of God would people see when they met you? If your answer isn’t what you’d like it to be, have no fear! The solution is simple: Draw closer to the Lord.

It’s no mystery that we often act like those we fellowship with. So if you want to mimic God’s character in your life, keep spending time with Him. You can read your Bible, spend time in prayer, sing along to worship music, or listen to a sermon. The more time you spend in God’s presence, the more His character will “rub off” on you. And as you reflect His character more and more, you will draw others in, offer hope, and fulfill your calling as an ambassador to the world!

Dear God, thank You for calling me to be an ambassador and light to those around me. Thank You for trusting me to represent You. Open my eyes as I draw near to You and to become more like You every day. Thank You for transforming me inside and out so that my actions speak of Your goodness wherever I go. Amen!