For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. —RM1.16
What is an Ambassador? We hear about them in the news quite often. Is it a term only relegated to world politics? Appointed positions by world leaders? But, have you really stopped and asked yourself what this word means for the life of the believer and the implications associated with it? Webster’s dictionary defines an Ambassador as an authorized representative or messenger. It’s pretty self-explanatory when it comes to our life in Christ, right? When we surrender our lives to Christ and confess Him as our Lord and Savior, we not only become sons and daughters of the Most High God, but, we are also His representatives here on earth…essentially, His messengers, His Ambassadors!
Before I keep going, let me take a quick moment to inform you as to the main role of an Ambassador. They are usually appointed by heads of States, and considered high-ranking diplomats or representatives of said country and government which appointed them. They are often placed in other sovereign states or in any one given organization such as the UN (United Nations). So, in essence, they are the voice (with a specific task) of their nation and government. Let’s just say it’s a very, very, important and critical role for the individual filling that appointment to be the most accurate and best representation of said government entity.
Okay, back to our role as Christ’s Ambassadors. Like I said, when we gave our lives to Christ and truly surrendered to Him, we became His “high-ranking” representatives here on earth. It’s crucial for us as believers to be that voice for Christ and be efficient in the task at hand which is sharing the Gospel message of salvation and redemption only offered through a right relationship through Jesus Christ.
However, I have to tell you, that as I survey the landscape of the church and Christianity, I am really bothered (not surprised) at what I see should be Ambassadors for Christ, but in reality, are just the opposite. There’s so much compromise going on in the church and in the pulpits! I see (especially on social media) professing believers (I hope) playing Sunday Christianity.
What I mean is that during the week, they live a life like the world: drinking (social drinking counts too), partying, cussing, smoking dope, sleeping together, and so on and so forth. Then come Sunday, go to church, as if somehow that makes the behavior or lifestyle perfectly acceptable. Well, according to scripture it’s not!
The plain truth is that the church is a place where the believer should get solid bible teaching so that when they leave, they are able and well equipped to share the Gospel adequately and efficiently in word and deed. This is not to say that you shouldn’t be studying the Bible, or spend time in prayer on your own as well. This is in addition and support to your personal time spent in bible study. However, the fact still remains that the large majority of churches and pastors are more worried about filling the pews and offering plates than helping people take up residence in heaven. So, we get what we have today, super watered down preaching, compromising and often times un-sound biblical doctrine and teaching.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2TI4.3
So we have a whole lot of mixed up people who have no clue what the bible says and therefore have no idea what it means. Have you taken a step back to survey the landscape of the church, or asked yourself some serious questions like why is it that so many churches play secular music at Harvest Festivals in order to attract the masses? Why do believers go trick or treating during Halloween and part take of this demonic day without giving it a second thought? Why do believers feel it’s okay to go drinking at bars or lounges with friends and post pictures on social media in hopes of gaining acceptance of this behavior by others? Why are believers partaking in yoga (by the way, there’s no such thing as “Christian Yoga”) and have no problem with its true meaning? Why are a lot of young “Evangelicals” denying the veracity and authenticity of scripture while also denying the deity and perfection of God? Why are so many watching pornography and not bothered or convicted by it? Why are so many “believers” satisfying their sexual desires without a second thought of what scripture says and what God requires of us? Why are so many pastors preaching such watered down messages and no one in the congregation bats an eyelash about it? Where’s discernment gone? Where’s the conviction of the Holy Spirit???
The easy thing is to ignore it and naively and foolishly think that because God is love, He’s somehow okay with it. Well, let me shed some light on that for you, He’s NOT okay with it. What pastors unfortunately are not telling you is that God is not ONLY love, but He’s also JUST! Because He’s just, He has to punish sin. Don’t ever for a moment think that grace is cheap, it’s not! Jesus Christ suffered and died for you and me so that we wouldn’t have to!
Imagine how different this country (let alone the world) would look if we truly lived our lives in order to please God and not men. If our lives reflected the Gospel message so much that others would want what we have. Imagine how different things would be if the walk matched the talk. Too many are living their life according their own definition of righteousness. The bible says that our righteousness are like filthy rags! The implication of the word ‘filthy’ is very graphic. A large majority of the body of Christ has become a terrible misrepresentation of Christ. The voice and message they represent is their own, not Christs!
“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” —JM1.14
So ask yourself, but, be honest about the answer (because at the end of the day, you’re not fooling Christ, just yourself), are you acting like a true Ambassador for Christ, or more like an Ambassador for the world? You’re either one or the other, there’s no middle ground.
The great thing, is that while you’re alive, it’s not too late to make a change your life. God is merciful, gracious and compassionate in that He wants no one to perish but for all to come to repentance. I want to encourage you that your best days could be ahead of you if you surrender completely to the Lord Almighty! Just think of what He can do with a life totally surrendered to Him.
If you’ve truly given your life over to Jesus Christ, allow Him to speak to you through the Holy Spirit. We’ve all been called to serve Him to one degree or another. We’ve also been given gifts in order to accomplish that calling as well! Don’t just sit idly by and not act on it, or live a life of defeat and compromise. That’s what Satan would like more than anything, to render the life of the believer useless and of ill effect. Surrender to Him, and see if He doesn’t do that which He promised to do! I guarantee you your life will never be the same...it’s a decision you’ll never live to regret!
As I often like to point out…don’t let today pass you by without making Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. Your life will never be the same. He has great plans for each and every one of us, the question is…are you willing to live your life ‘sold out’ to Christ and see what great things He will do through you!?!
Pablo