One of the things I learned while doing ministry in Downtown Kingston, Jamaica was that the people watched what I did, more than they listened to what I said. I remember one man telling me that everyone else from outside the area would leave when shootings were on the rise in the community, but he saw that I stayed, and he really appreciated that. I was thankful then that I did not let fear overtake me and that I walked those violent streets with a prayer on my lips. This week Nader has made me really think about what it means to be an ambassador for Christ. Are you an ambassador for Christ?
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I think most people know Charles Darwin. He was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His father, Robert Darwin, was a freethinker. His father wanted him to become a doctor, but he was not interested in a medical education, so his father told him to go and become a pastor and do whatever he wanted. But not all people have this belief about becoming a pastor. I remember a story in which a priest in an American city preached to an influential and wealthy person. The rich man wondered if the priest himself was faithful to the good news he had shared. So, he hired a private detective to watch the priest's behavior day and night. After a while, the private detective said to the rich man, “I did not find any fault in this man. He does what he tells you.” The holy life of this priest made the rich man believe in Christ.
Usually, each country has an ambassador to the United Nations who represents the people and government of that country. So, Christians on behalf of Christ, are His ambassadors to the whole world.
“Namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 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.” 2 Corinthians 5:19-20
We are saved by the grace of Christ, so we must know that by the grace of Christ we will be victorious and can be useful ambassadors for Christ. As St. Augustine said, “For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.” So instead of abusing the grace of Christ, Christians should use it to glorify the name of Christ. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was an English Particular (Reformed) Baptist preacher. He has a quote about grace which says, “We believe, that the work of regeneration, conversion, sanctification and faith, is not an act of man’s free will and power, but of the mighty, efficacious and irresistible grace of God.” Therefore, when I am tempted as a human being to enjoy sin, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit who dwells in me do not allow me to live in sin.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” Galatians 5:13
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16-21
“So I say this, and affirm in the Lord, that you are to no longer walk just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their minds, being darkened in their understanding.” Ephesians 4:17-24
We must not forget that none of us are perfect, but we must grow and move towards perfection and work with God and have a healthy relationship with Him. Because if we were perfect all at once, there would be no need for Christ to return a second time, so when we are alive we must live every moment in Christ's arms and become like Him and have His name glorified in our lives. So let us unite with the author of the letter of Hebrews and fix your eyes on Christ and move forward.
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
Nader your little brother in CHRIST
GOD BLESS YOU. AMEN
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