"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” - Colossians 3:17 NLT
When I think of the role of an ambassador, I picture someone living in a foreign country, representing their home nation while navigating the complexities of a different culture. As an ambassador, their primary duty is to uphold the interests and values of their own country while fostering diplomatic relationships in the host nation. It is not about blending in with the local culture but about maintaining a distinct identity and carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them by the government they serve.
One of the most crucial aspects of an ambassador’s role is communication, both verbal and non-verbal. They must effectively convey their country’s message to various audiences, whether it’s government officials, the media, or the public. Their work requires them to be clear, persuasive, and dignified as they represent their homeland. At the same time, ambassadors must be resilient, able to handle criticism and adapt to challenging situations without losing their integrity or sense of purpose.
The apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Colossians that, as believers in Christ, we too are ambassadors of another kingdom. He writes, “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your minds on the things above, where Christ is” (Colossians 3:1-2). Just as an ambassador represents their home country, we are called to represent the Kingdom of God, living according to its values and priorities, even as we reside in this world.
In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter calls us “temporary residents and foreigners,” warning us to avoid the worldly desires that can wage war against our souls. As ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, our behavior should reflect the values of that Kingdom, not the temporary pleasures of the world around us. This calling requires us to put on the “new self” (Colossians 3:10) and to live in a way that represents Jesus in everything we do, both in word and in deed (Colossians 3:17).
Living as ambassadors of another Kingdom is a calling that demands our full commitment. We are not to become citizens of this world but to remain faithful to the mission God has entrusted to us, representing His Kingdom with dignity, resilience, and integrity. As we do, we draw others to the hope and truth of the world to come.
HIGHLIGHTED QUOTE: “They have learned to live in a foreign land, carry a foreign message on behalf of the interests of their own nation without becoming a citizen of the nation in which they now dwell.”
TIP OF THE DAY: It will be helpful to do a search for the words “foreign”, “sojourner” and “citizenship” in your Bible. Hint: Look at Ex. 12:48-49, Ex. 22:21, Lev. 17:8-15, Deut. 14:28-29 and Phil. 3:17
TALKING TO GOD: Heavenly Father, I want to become more aware of the assignment to represent your Kingdom in all I say and do. Through the power of your saving grace, I have “put on the new self”. Help me to lay aside every weight and sin that may hinder me from reflecting who you are to the community I have been assigned to serve. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
- Who must we engage with the message of the Kingdom, while being an ambassador.
- When engaging with our community, how does verbal and non-verbal communication affect the cause of Christ?
- In what way are Christ followers not really citizens of this world?
