THOUGH BENJAMIN FRANKLIN NEVER SERVED AS PRESIDENT of the United States, he held a role prior to the forming of our Union that was just as important: he was chosen to be the Thirteen Colonies’ ambassador to France. The Colonies were in great need of money and supplies if they were to secure their independence from Britain, and France was the one nation that could help them gain victory. For almost two years, Franklin worked tirelessly to secure aid and support for the revolution. Many historians believe that France’s support was essential to our triumph over British forces.
Being an ambassador isn’t easy work. You usually live away from your home among a people who may or may not appreciate your presence. Sometimes the place where you live is hostile or at least antagonistic toward the desires of the government you represent. And yet, being an ambassador is one of the highest callings one could receive. As an ambassador you are the primary representative and messenger of another realm.
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the Apostle Paul wrote that he was (and we are) “ambassadors for Christ.” We are kingdom citizens living on earth as representatives of Christ and his reign.
As his ambassadors we not only represent his ways, but we also bring a “message of reconciliation” to those who dwell on earth (2 Corinthians 5:19). This Good News is a proclamation that sinful humanity may be reconciled with God because Jesus has secured forgiveness through his death on a cross. As Paul declares, “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19). This message began with Jesus and then was given to the Twelve following his resurrection. Over the past two thousand years it has been extended to disciples of Christ across the generations and throughout the nations. Today, the message of reconciliation is entrusted to us.
As you consider this passage, you might feel a little overwhelmed by the significance of this task and calling. Maybe a little like Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings – “I’m just a Hobbit. I’m not really sure I want this task. The shire is mighty fine and Mordor is a pretty scary place.” I totally get it! Our role as Christ’s ambassadors can feel daunting. But here’s the thing – we’re far more than Hobbits. We are Spirit-filled sons and daughters of the Most High King who have been set free by this message of reconciliation and enabled by God’s grace to represent him to others through word and deed.
So, how does one even begin living as an ambassador? Good question. Start by “living your faith publicly,” says pastor Tim Keller. Too many Christians either live privatized lives (not open to sharing their faith) or secluded lives (having no non-Christian friends). Public Christians, on the other hand, don’t let fear, pride, pessimism, or indifference hold them back from sharing their faith. In addition, they choose to welcome others into their lives who may not have a relationship with Jesus yet.
As you seek to be intentional as an ambassador of Christ and messenger of reconciliation with a friend, here are some steps to consider:
- Let the person know you are a Christian.
- Listen to their joys and problems.
- Be transparent – share your life, too.
- Pray for them.
- Ask about their beliefs.
- Share your own faith journey.
- Invite them to church functions.
- Share God’s Word.
- Share the gospel.
PRAYER
Jesus, I want to faithfully represent you and the gospel. I want to be an ambassador who looks and sounds like my King. I praise you for reconciling me to the Father. Help me to implore others to be reconciled as well. May I embrace the fact that you are making your appeal to the world through me. Grant me courage in this calling and responsibility. Amen.
PONDER
- How do you feel about the fact that God would choose to make his appeal to lost people through you?
- Who implored you to be reconciled to God? (That is, who led you to Jesus?)
- What most holds you back from being a “public Christian” who is an intentional ambassador for Christ?