As followers of Jesus, we are His ambassadors charged with the responsibility of representing Him to those with whom we come into contact and especially those within our sphere of influence. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20a).
What a marvelous privilege this is that Jesus would choose the likes of us to continue with the sharing of the “message of reconciliation” to a world in desperate need of being reconciled to God. And not only a privilege but an awesome responsibility. A responsibility that we should not take lightly.
The apostle Peter offers some insights into how we can prepare ourselves to carry out this calling. In chapter 3 of his first epistle the practical apostle lays it out in a way that forces one to think in terms of application. Chapter 3 and verse15: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…”
What does it say, what does it mean and what does it mean to me is an excellent way to read Scripture. Let’s look at some ways that we might apply these challenges to our individual lives.
- “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts”
- To sanctify is to set apart as holy. We are not only to set Christ apart as holy; He is holy whether we set him apart as such or not, but we are to set Him apart as Lord. Jesus must not only be my Savior, although He is that, but He must be my Lord. Is He your Lord?
- Be ready to make a defense
- This speaks of preparation. We are to be followers of Jesus who are prepared. Prepared for what? Prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have. Most people are without hope. “remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Jesus is the game changer in this area because He offers hope. A hope the world cannot We offer a reason for the hope that we have primarily in two ways: (i) our personal testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives; and (ii) the teaching of the Scriptures. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This is imperative. Having a basic understanding of the Scriptures is vital to being equipped to give a reason for the hope that we have.
- With gentleness and reverence
- The old saying: “if the message offends then so be it but if the messenger offends then shame on you” certainly applies here. As we abide in Christ and allow Him to live His life through us, we will never be guilty of being offensive. Remember, we are His ambassadors “as though God were making an appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent Him and we must interact with others the way that Jesus would.
Lord, grant us the ability to represent you in a way that would be attractive to the world around us and pleasing to you.
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