JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Word of Encouragement is “Ambassador.”
This is a diplomat in a foreign land, representing their leader on a mission of peace.
Isn’t that a true description of the Christian in a spiritual sense? This world is not our home. We are serving the King of Kings in a foreign land, representing Jesus on a peacemaking mission. That is a high calling, and a privilege to serve in such a way.
The Apostle Paul said in Second Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
To be a faithful ambassador, we need to make sure that we are at peace with God. Stay connected to Him. Walk in His love and truth. Establish relationships with neighbors, co-workers, and peers at school. Reach out to them with God’s love and be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.
Find encouragement in the opportunity to be an ambassador for Christ in the Year of Endurance.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on Second Corinthians 5:19 and 20.
“God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
God is calling His followers to be agents for peace. The ultimate peacemaking mission is to share the good news of hope and salvation through faith in Jesus. We can be credible messengers of this Gospel by being active in sharing our faith, and representing Jesus in our character and conduct.
His peace in our lives can be an influence for peace in the world for the glory of God.
Walking as an ambassador for Christ is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from Second Corinthians 5:20.
“We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
In political terms, an ambassador is on a diplomatic mission to build bridges of peace between the nation where he is sent and the nation he represents. An ambassador is called to be a voice for their leader. They serve in a foreign land. They do not have the authority to make their own policy or set their own agenda. Their responsibility is to follow the mission of their leader in a way that accurately reflects their leader’s views.
In spiritual terms, the Christian’s citizenship is in heaven, not here on earth. We are representing our king in a foreign land. We are on a peace mission while we live here. Our message to the world reflects the desire of Christ for the world. “Be reconciled to God.” Through faith in Jesus, we are made right with God, and our sins against Him are no longer counted against us.
Being an ambassador for Christ is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
