“You are an ambassador of Christ and a messenger of the gospel that accepts people in love, gives them peace, and promises them joy — even when your circumstances or theirs preach a message that makes joy difficult.”- Chip Ingram
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”- 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV)
Chip Ingram continues Chapter 4 of I Choose Joy with more on the first purpose statement.
Purpose Statement #1: I am an ambassador/messenger of the Gospel (cont.). Above all, Chip notes, Paul saw himself and every other believer as an ambassador of Christ. Hence, one of your purposes as an ambassador involves reaching the lost. And to present the message of reconciliation between God and humanity.
Most significantly, Pastor Ingram counsels, your message speaks the loudest when you’re going through difficult times. Because, as Chip explains:
“People usually don’t receive the gospel simply from hearing about it. They receive it when they see it at work in someone’s life. You may not see the full purpose in your adversity, but living in the light of the gospel as someone reconciled to God fills every day with purpose no matter what you’re going through. .. . .
Plenty of people have been wounded by Christians and the church, and Christ is not always represented well in personal or public conversations, but Jesus loves you and everyone around you. People need to see that love.”
In conclusion, Chip stresses, a great need exists for people to know that God has a great agenda to restore people through a relationship with Him.
Today’s question: How do you see your calling as an ambassador of Christ? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our rights vs. other people’s welfare”