One of the most critical government positions held in any sovereignty is the office of its ambassadors.
We may not hear much about these dignitaries, but their role can truly be crucial in assuring that government relations are handled in a fair and consistent manner for their homeland.
As a Christian businessman, I’ve come to realize that one of my roles is to be an Ambassador for Christ.
After all, my greatest allegiance is to God the Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and one day I look forward to spending an eternity in His Heavenly realms.
And, when Paul speaks to all who faithfully follow Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:20, we must realize Christ has commissioned us as His Ambassadors wherever we have been placed.
Paul’s plea follows:
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as if God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled in God.”
So, we are implored by Paul to accept the role of ambassador in our area of influence while we are in this world. That’s quite an honor.
Are you up to the task of being an Ambassador for Christ?
For those Christians blessed to be in a business environment, our involvement in the marketplace offers an opportunity to witness to those who work for us and with us on a daily basis.
They will obviously observe how we do business and how we live our lives in a fashion that may be quite different from the norm.
That’s what any successful ambassador would do for the pleasure of his or her country. And, we must develop a similar attitude in the marketplace in which we’ve been placed.
In Ephesians 6:18-20, we see an example of Paul’s literally living by his words:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I may fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should.”
Paul walked the talk and he took ambassadorship seriously. He set the example for all who follow Christ as Savior and Lord.
Paul had no diplomatic immunity — nor will we. If you were imprisoned as in Paul’s case for presenting the gospel, would you continue to do so while imprisoned?
Paul realized God gave him a captive audience while in chains in Rome. And apparently, many of those who were chained to him soon became devoted followers of Christ!
Here’s the bottom line. We’ve all been placed by God in certain circumstances that will afford us opportunities to witness to one or more who can benefit from knowing Jesus on an intimate basis.
We must follow Paul’s wonderful example and pray for the proper words and God’s perfect timing to share with those He places in our path who remain unconvinced of His Lordship.
I trust you will fearlessly and courageously join me as faithful Ambassadors for Christ!