An Ambassador of Christ
A few months ago, I was thinking about what it meant to be an ambassador of Christ. What did that look like? What do ambassadors do, and how does that translate to my life as a child of God and His ambassador?
Ambassadors Represent a Nation/Kingdom
US: He or she must be a citizen of the US, is nominated by the president, and confirmed by the Senate. Can be dismissed at any time by the president.
Of Christ: Must be citizens of God’s kingdom. “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives” (Phil 3:20 NLT).
God chose us. “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9 NLT).
And our assignment is stated in 1 Cor 5:19–20, “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ.”
We speak and act on behalf of God’s Kingdom, not Earth.
Stationed in Foreign Territory
US: Live abroad, in a specific country. They model life there as it is in the US. While they may not be immediately recognized as an ambassador, they will be recognized as an American.
Of Christ: The whole world is foreign territory for us because heaven is our true home. We’re ambassadors wherever we live. When people see us they’ll notice something different about us. They may not know quite what it is, but they’ll want to find out why and that’s our opportunity to share the good news.
Our job isn’t to blend in but to be light and salt in a world that desperately needs it.
Build Relationships to Influence
US: Cultivates diplomatic relationships to influence decisions and promote peace.
Of Christ: Build authentic relationships to show people the love and truth of Jesus, and to help reconcile them to God. The world needs the message we have to share. While God wants us all to share the gospel, we’re each unique and have a unique message to share.
We don’t strong-arm people into the Kingdom—we invite them in with love and grace.
Highest Ranking Diplomat with the Full Authority of the US But Follow Orders from Higher Authority
US: They have the full authority of the government behind them, but the never acts on personal opinion—they follow the policies of the government.
A good analogy here is the policeman directing traffic at an accident. People stop because they recognize the uniform and the authority behind the uniform. Even though ambassadors have the full authority of the US government, they must obey the higher authority over them.
Of Christ: We have the full authority of God behind us, but we follow Christ’s commands, not our own preferences. We must conduct our lives according to the principles laid out in God’s Word. What kind of representative would we be for God if we were cruel to everyone around us or constantly broke the law? “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15 NLT).
We can conduct our lives with boldness and speak His message, knowing we have God’s full authority behind us.
Protected but Accountable
US: Protected by diplomatic immunity and the resources of the US. They aren’t subject to the jurisdiction and laws of the host country, but they are accountable to the US government.
What would the people of a foreign country think of the US if we sent our people there to represent us but didn’t provide what they needed to do the job? No pay, no housing, nothing. It wouldn’t reflect very well on the US. An ambassador’s needs are provided for.
Of Christ: We are protected by God’s grace and backed by His power. Psalm 91 is a snippet of all the ways God protects us. He has sent us into this dark world to bring the light of Christ. Would he do/provide anything less than what man does? But we’re still called to accountability and integrity. “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God” (Romans 14:12 NLT).
God provides for us as His children and as His ambassadors. He is our source for all things. In Him we live and move and have our being. We don’t have to worry about anything.
What we do in public—and private—matters. Our lives reflect the kingdom of God.
Final Thoughts
A US ambassador serves for a limited time. We serve for a lifetime, until God calls us home. Our goal? To reflect Jesus so clearly that others want to know the King we represent.
Throughout the Bible, God tells us to be strong and courageous. It’s a phrase that resonates with me for some reason, perhaps because I served in the military. But when Joshua stepped in to lead the Israelites, God told him many times to be strong and courageous. Twice he told Joshua “as I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 1:5, 3:7 NKJV). We can claim that same promise!
Let me close with this. “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic…For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deut. 31:6 NLT).
Be bold as you serve the Lord.