We are Ambassadors of Christ

You've all seen the statistics. The Barna Group, a leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture conducted research on the state of divorce among secular and Christian folk, and discovered that "born again Christians who are not evangelical were indistinguishable from the national average on the matter of divorce." It is statements like these and others on the matter of culture that in this day and age makes Christians indistinguishable from unsaved folks.

And that was not the Lord's intention at all.

Paul said we must be "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Eph 5:1). Further, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (Eph 5:8-10). Jesus wants to "present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Eph 5:27). We cannot be that clean, spotless church if we are rolling around in  muddy sin with like-acting people.

Did you know that we are disciples? Of course you did. Did you remember that we are also Ambassadors? It is a role that is outlined for us but is rarely remembered. Paul told us 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."

An ambassador is the highest ranking diplomat who represents a nation and is usually accredited to a foreign sovereign or government, or to an international organization. In everyday usage it usually applies to the ranking government representative stationed in a foreign capital. Ambassadors are ministers of the highest rank, with plenipotentiary authority to represent their head of state, defines Wikipedia. Ambassadors declare the will of their sovereign to the person, government, or king to which they have been assigned.

Our king is Jesus and our home which we represent is New Jerusalem. Think on this, don't let these words slide by: The All Knowing, All Powerful God, Creator of the Universe, chose US to be His representatives on earth. We represent the Holy and Blameless Almighty I AM. When I think about this commission, I straighten up. I throw back my shoulders, I smile, I am fervent but loving. If President Lincoln were to call you to the dais at his inaugural speech and designate you to be Ambassador to London, wouldn't you behave differently? Wouldn't the gravity and dignity of the commission weigh on you, and not wanting to let this honorable president down, wouldn't you dress your finest, clean up your language, and sail for England with his papers in hand, eager to represent all the best of America? I would. Ambassadors must behave in such a way that we bring so stain upon our nation.

So it is exponentially more dignified and important the commission God has designated for us as Ambassadors of God from New Jerusalem, to earth and its wrinkled, spotted, muddy people. If we control our mind, control our tongue and control our behavior (always beseeching the Spirit to contain us, for we cannot do it in our own strength) then we are remarked upon by the lost. We are easily distinguishable.

Unfortunately, Jesus said that the last church on earth, the Laodicean church as a model, will be neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. "I know your deeds," Jesus says, "that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." (Rev 3:15-16).

Christian, if you feel yourself waning, pray, appeal, and beseech the Holy Spirit to forgive you and strengthen you. Then, remember where our home is and Who we represent. How, then, can we be tepid? Be hot! Fervent, zealous with His love, and go represent!