AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

                I have been reading “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi. In the first section of the book, he shares his upbringing as a Muslim. He talks about how their faith was such an integral part of their everyday lives. When he was in seventh grade, his mother sat him down and impressed upon him the importance of projecting a positive image of what it means to be Muslim. “They will always see you first and foremost as a Muslim. That is your identity, and you must embrace it.” From that point on Nabeel saw himself as an ambassador for Islam.

                The way his faith was integrated into his life and the way that he saw his responsibility to reflect the most positive image that he could really challenged me. Do we, as Christians, have the same level of commitment to Christ? Do we see ourselves as everyday ambassadors for our faith? When people look at out lives, is the image their perceive positive or negative? Unfortunately, today many people see all Christians in a very negative light. This is not necessarily because they are rejecting Jesus, but because we have not been positive examples of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

                What does it mean for us to be positive ambassadors for Christ in our world? It begins with how we treat one another. Jesus made it clear that the evidence of our faith is the degree to which we love one another. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV) Too often, when people look at the church, they do not see love demonstrated, but conflict. Jesus has called us to love each other as He has loved us, unconditionally. If we are going to change the image of the church in the world, it must begin within. We need to humble ourselves, repent of our bickering and backbiting, and ask God to empower us to truly love one another.

                As we learn to truly love one another, we can begin to extend that love to those outside of the church. As we interact with the world around us, we need to treat people with respect and grace. Although we may disagree with their life choices, we can still extend the love of Christ to them. Afterall, Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. Can we say that about his followers?

                Paul tells us that we need to learn a better way of interacting with the people around us. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) If we are going to change our world for Christ, we need to change the way we approach those who do not yet believe in Him. Although Paul is writing specifically to the believers in Ephesus, his instructions can apply to the way we interact with unbelievers as well.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:31-32, 5:1-2 (NIV)

We can expect people who are not followers of Jesus to misunderstand us and even to oppose us. They way make fun of our faith. They may actively oppose the expression of our faith. But in all of this, we need to refrain from pushing back. Instead, we need to disarm their opposition with genuine kindness.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

As followers of Christ, we do not wear any special clothes that identify us as believers. The only way another person will know about our faith is through our actions and our words. And we all know that our actions speak louder than our words. When Jesus left his disciples for the last time on earth, he told them that they would be his witnesses throughout the world. The question for each of us is, what kind of a witness am I being for Christ?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)