Christians are Ambassadors

by Cowboy Bob Sorensen 

Yes, it is a part of our job description, as found in 2 Corinthians 5:20. We are ambassadors for Christ, imploring others to be reconciled to God. As we can see, ambassador is an ancient title. Those people would represent the interests of their countries to rulers in other countries.

Back in the old days, ambassadors were important dignitaries and accorded great respect. Although comedic, the Marx brothers Duck Soup shows Rufus T. Firefly insulting the ambassador of Sylvania, which was considered an act of war. Ambassadors nowadays are less imposing, and numerous; there are many from and to the formerly United States.

Cincinnatus Receiving the Ambassadors From Rome / Alexandre Cabanel, 1843

An ambassador can also be considered a representative. People are representatives of their employers, especially when in uniform. Two unfortunate examples come to mind. First, when I was hired into a job, the manager told me that someone committed a crime (possibly a liquor store robbery) and was wearing the company uniform. "When the cuffs went on, he lost his job." More recently, someone in authority at a major company apparently abused his position. News of it reached the home office and he was fired. That is too bad, I liked him.

As Christians we represent Jesus Christ. Not only are we the part of a family, but our spiritual lives are progressing — at least, we should be growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18). Some folks have unrealistic expectations of Christians, expecting us to meet their arbitrary standards. When we fail, they criticize us and the name of Christ. Less bigoted people know that people make mistakes, and other Christians know that each of us grows spiritually at different rates.

Even so, we should keep in mind that we are ambassadors of Jesus. Keep in mind our calling, our Savior, and keep growing in him.