Just Call Me Mr. Ambassador

What do James Cunningham, Larry Palmer, Denise Bauer, Carlos Moreno and Daniel Shields have in common? They're all U. S. Ambassadors to other countries. They are citizens of this country, living and working in another country. As Ambassadors, they represent the best interests of the United States.

What do the people in a Christian congregation have in common? They are all God's Ambassadors to "this world." They are citizens of God's Kingdom, living and working in "this world." As Ambassadors, each Christian is to represent the best interests of the Lord God.

Christians are "citizens" of two very different worlds! When we were born, we became citizens of the United States, citizens of "this world," of Satan's realm. When we were born-again, we became citizens of God's Kingdom, citizens of the Heavenly Realm.

The kingdom of "this world" is ruled over by Satan. He has great power; although it's a limited and temporary power granted to him by God. Satan also has legions of followers working for him. "This world" is at war with God! "This world" is everything that God's Kingdom is not! Satan's kingdom is a place of chaos and confusion -- of frustration and anxiety. "This world" is filled with darkness and destruction; filled with hatred; violence; and, abuse. Satan's realm is a place where all his followers are his slaves -- his people have no freedom at all. "This world" is a place where lying and cheating are the norm; deceit reigns supreme. The people who live only in "this world" have no real love, no real joy or happiness or hope. Satan's realm places self at the center of life -- selfishness rules. "This world" is a dead end! Followers of Satan/Self have no future.

Christians live in a truly different "world!" God is the center; all of life revolves around Him. God is all-powerful! He created everything and gives life to every one. God is all-wise! Because He designed life, He alone understands how life is to be lived. God is Truth! There is no deceit in Him. Truth is what God says it is. God is Light. There can be no darkness, not even one shadow, in His presence. God only grants us freedom! There is no freedom when God is left out of life. As citizens of God's Kingdom, we are servants-of-God, not slaves-of-Satan! Even Death is powerless!

The Lord God has called us to be His Ambassadors to "this world." The King over all kings has sent us into "this world" to be his personal representatives -- to carry out His mission and to achieve His goals. Being "called or appointed" involves our willingness to go where we are sent. At times, we wonder why God puts us in a certain place at a certain time, yet, we trust His wisdom. To be "called," you must be prepared. When William Todd was appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, he had to make specific preparations. He had to learn their language; so that he could speak to the people in words they could understand, and so that he could understand them. He had to learn their customs and traditions; a simple handshake in one culture signifies friendship -- in a different culture, it means hostility. He had to truly care about the people. He had to be aware that he was living in a hostile environment -- many people hate the United States and all it stands for -- Americans are not welcome. So it is with us. The Lord God always prepares us for the task He assigns us. As His Ambassadors to "this world" we too, must learn the language, understand the customs and traditions, truly care about all the people and be aware that we are living and working in a hostile environment. Christians are not welcome in "this world!"

Knowing the dangers of witnessing to "this world," God provides us with Divine protection -- the belt of Truthfulness; the protective vest of Rightness; boots of Peace; the shield of Faithfulness and Trust; the hard hat of Salvation; and the firepower of the Holy Spirit. We are well-equipped to live in a hostile world, and prepared to do battle with Satan and his army.

God's Word reminds us we are Ambassadors for Christ -- God making Himself known through us! Just call me Mr. Ambassador; it's a title that I wear with great pride!

Religion on 07/17/2014