Introduction
In this edition of our Newsletter, the responsibility of a believer as an Ambassador of God is discussed. Believers are on earth to perform the role of Ambassadors as they represent their master and savior. Here, the responsibilities of a Christian as a commissioner and a diplomat are discussed.
A Believer as a representative & a Commissioner of God
The commission is from God, and the ambassador owes his standing to that Divine authority. What makes an individual God´s ambassador is that s/he is originally a citizen of heaven and that his/her being here on earth is to discharge ambassadorial responsibilities for the King of kings. For this reason, we cannot live our lives as we want it. We must live by the orders from Heaven. We must remain loyal to the ideals of Heaven. To be a trusted and a responsible ambassador;
• The believer needs to know very well what s/he represents. That is, the will of God on earth (Matt 6:9-10).
• An ambassador of Christ simply executes the commission entrusted to him; The believer faithfully discharges the duties which he owes to God who gives the least of human conjectures, and who declares most plainly and distinctly the will and word of the Lord Jesus Christ to mankind.
• S/he declares only the terms established between his Sovereign kingdom and another. A minister of Christ, therefore, ought to preach only the established Gospel of their King.
• S/he is to call attention to a rule of faith already completed through and in Christ Jesus.
• S/he is not to make any new sacrifice, but to proclaim a sacrifice already furnished;
Believers as Diplomatists and Statesmen
An ambassador is a diplomat. His/her message must be recommended by him/her. As a diplomat, almost everything s/he needs to say is dependent on their message. The life and character of an ambassador of Christ must reflect the very essence of God. The character and life of an ambassador of Christ should be that of integrity; self-denial, faithfulness and trustworthy among others. Apostle Paul writes of this when he advises that:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Php 4:8).
The above virtues must be evident in the ambassadors sent from the Kingdom of God. In addition to the above, the following must be said of a diplomat, an ambassador of Christ, that;
• S/he is well informed of the policies or agenda of their government in the foreign land. This explains why Apostle Paul writes that Timothy, being a faith ambassador, should study to show himself approved unto God (2Ti 2:15), as he discovers God´s purpose for mankind; that they all come to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1Ti 2:4).
• S/he dresses decently or appropriately and shamefacedly or in moderation (1Ti 2:9-10, 1Pt 3:3). This does not mean that wearing of expensive clothing is sin but one´s life should not depend on them. The virtuous woman well praised in the book of Proverbs chapter 31, wears expensive apparels out of her own toil. (Pro 31:10-31). God also tells of how he decked the children of Israel with gold and other expensive items (Eze 16:9-14).
• Talk as a diplomat. Ambassadors are to choose their words carefully, as they put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy or unwholesome communication out of their mouths (Col 3:8). They are not supposed to engage in any unnecessary argument or debate that would tarnish their image and that of God (2Ti 2:23).
• Walk as ambassadors. Again, the Apostle pleads with believers to walk worthy of their vocation, in this case, as believers and ambassadors of Christ (Eph 4:1). They are encouraged to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as people with wisdom (Eph 5:15). Ambassadors of Christ ought to walk in wisdom toward those in the Christian faith, as well as toward unbelievers, as they use their time profitably (Col 4:5).
Conclusion
Christian are the representatives of Christ on earth. They have been given the divine mandate to act on behalf of God. They should, therefore, act responsibly toward all people, taking cognizance that their divine mandate is to reconcile all people to God.
Prayer: Thank you Father Lord, for saving us, and choosing us to represent your Kingdom, here on earth. We thank you for committing your divine mandate unto us. We ask your grace to act, as your word instructs us. In Jesus´ name, we pray. Amen!