If we claim to believe the gospel but never demonstrate its effect in our lives, what good has it done? If we only live for ourselves rather than fulfill God’s purpose, then we have “received God’s grace in vain.” As the first part of 2 Corinthians 5:20 states, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 6:4 says we have “commended ourselves in every way through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities…by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech and the power of God.”
When I think of who would be a wonderful example of Christ’s ambassador to the world, I am reminded of my beloved father and the way in which he conducted himself during a 14-year battle with Parkinson’s disease so many years ago. He was a caring and loving son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, friend and confidante. Through his 22 years of service as an administrative law judge, his integrity and outstanding character helped to enrich the lives of those who knew and loved him. He suffered greatly for years and had to spend his retirement with ailing health but his love for God was apparent in how he interacted with others. He was always there to help others, guide them, take time to listen, and set a wonderful example in how to “walk with God” in your life. My dad had been active as a youth leader along with my mom after they were married, and he became an elder in our church when I was growing up in Atlanta.
After my father’s death a few years ago, I was able to find strength knowing that my dad loved God and that God had been there for my dad and all of us during some difficult times. I had to believe God would be there again for my family in the days ahead. In order to be ambassadors for Christ, we must remember that God is always with us and pass this great news on to others who might not believe so easily. The Footprints poem comes to mind when I think of God’s great power and love for us. As an excerpt from the poem states, “During the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints. The Lord replied, ‘The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand – is when I carried you.’” Why not live your life so that others can see God shining through you? Despite hardships in our own lives, we can still minister to others and show them how much God loves us. By setting a wonderful example through our character and actions, our own lives will have more meaning. Will you be an ambassador for Christ today?
Heavenly Father, help us to remember to take your love for us into the world so we might help others in difficult times. We need to remember that you are always with us even in our darkest moments. We pray for strength so we can be ambassadors for you. Thank you for loving us every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
