As Kingdom ambassadors, Christian believers are charged to be in the world, but not of it. (John 17:14-16) This means that while living in the world among unbelievers, we are to considers ourselves like ambassadors in a foreign land. Ambassadors are charged to represent their home country most favorably, primarily for the purpose of encouraging positive and productive relationships with the citizens of the foreign land to which they are posted.
Successful ambassadors must learn to balance their desire to personally appeal to others with their responsibility to work on behalf of their home nation. Faithful believers in Jesus Christ are Christian ambassadors to the world. While encouraging relationships with unbelievers, we must never lose sight of our primary goal - to best represent our "home" Kingdom. (Matthew 5:14-16)
So how should a Kingdom ambassador appear to unbelievers? We are to present the principles of our King and His realm - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - all while trusting in our Lord. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Successful Kingdom ambassadors are always prepared and enthusiastic regarding the privilege of sharing their King with all who will listen. (2 Timothy 4:2) It begins by seeking, knowing, and loving King Jesus with all of our heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37)
Onward Christian soldiers!
Bob Benson
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from My Utmost For His Highest. . .
November 30
"By the Grace of God I Am What I Am"
By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain . . . —1 Corinthians 15:10
The way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining from God’s perspective those things that sound so humble to men. You will be amazed at how unbelievably inappropriate and disrespectful they are to Him. We say things such as, "Oh, I shouldn’t claim to be sanctified; I’m not a saint." But to say that before God means, "No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in my brain and body; no, Lord, it isn’t possible." That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it is an attitude of defiance.
Conversely, the things that sound humble before God may sound exactly the opposite to people. To say, "Thank God, I know I am saved and sanctified," is in God’s eyes the purest expression of humility. It means you have so completely surrendered yourself to God that you know He is true. Never worry about whether what you say sounds humble before others or not. But always be humble before God, and allow Him to be your all in all.
There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.
Amen!
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Matthew 16:24
