Ambassadors

"So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”"

~*2 Corinthians 5:20*~

Ambassador:  An authorized messenger or representative.

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Who am I representing?  I have come to this realization recently of the fact that I represent something much bigger and much more important than anything my mind could ever wrap itself around.  It was not until recently how hard this reality hit me.  Who do I represent?  In the work place?  In life?  Through my words and actions?  I say "I am a Christian" but what image am I giving as a Christian?  A few simple phrases and I now see what that may look like (good or bad) to the people around me.  Have you ever noticed that some non-Christians are quicker to call you out on some behaviors than Christians are?  I often wonder why that is.  Why give them a reason to call one out on anything?  I know we are "only human".  I know I am not "perfect" (I know... shocking isn't it?) but I can live for Christ and work for Him as an ambassador, a representative, for the Cross and what happened there.

At work I have recently discussed "perception" with my supervisor.  It is amazing how some people can see a situation only how they want to see it instead of how it truly may be... I am guilty of it.  The discussion was about being careful how you say something and what you are doing.  This "perception" speech can apply to any area of life.  A coworker saw a coffee mug sitting on the table in our office.  When she asked who it belonged to she quickly answered her own question by saying she saw the word "Christian" on the much so she should have known it was mine.  What perception might she have of Christianity because of me and how do my words and actions influence her view?  Every now and then a guy at work will jump in to the middle of a conversation and most of the time, without missing a beat (and hopefully jokingly), will say "That's not very Christian of you Sharina."  It happens... I slip up but whether he heard the whole conversation or not, and even if he took something out of context, how careful am I with my words?

Who am I representing?  Satan can cause me to slip up with temptation... but there is always a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).  Ultimately, it is my choice to sin.  The little voice in my head says "Don't do it" or "Don't say it because you know it isn't right"... but I choose whether or not to follow up.  The temptation may be there and that may not be my fault, but what do I do with that temptation?  Do I take those thoughts captive and force them to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5-6)?  Or do I allow the temptation of something grow into sin (James 1:14-15)?  I may not have caused the temptation itself but am I choosing to dwell or act on that temptation?  Most of the time if that is the case, my words reflect that sin... when I dwell I begin vomiting words and thoughts that do not represent in any way what I should be living for.

We are called to be ambassadors of Christ.  We are chosen to be a representation of the King... how CRAZY of a thought is that?  We are chosen to represent the reason for life... chosen to do great things for the Creator who put us here to do those things He planned for us long before we were even born (Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 29:11; & Romans 8:28).  Are my words and actions a good representation of who I am living for?  In my work, am I working wholeheartedly as though I am doing this work for God (Colossians 3:23 & 1 Corinthians 15:58)?  Good questions to ask myself from now on before I act or speak.  Chosen as an ambassador for Christ.  What a wonderful thought to have written on the hearts belonging to Him.