One of the toughest questions may be: “Who am I living for?”
When we think we have fully submitted ourselves to Christ we find that our pride rears itself again and makes us wonder who we’re really living for.
Early in life I memorized 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” The Apostle Paul recognized that God has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. We have the responsibility to represent Christ to those around us. Like an ambassador for a government, we represent Christ to those who do not know Him.
What does it mean for us to be ambassadors for Christ and to have a ministry of reconciliation?
First, it means that people will know who Christ is from us. We represent Him to most people of the world. If we live ethical, joyful, and hope filled lives, Christ will be seen as ethical, joyful, and filled with hope. Mahatma Ghandi’s assessment of Christ and Christians is too familiar to us. “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
We represent Christ to a world who does not know Him. Can people see Christ in you? Do you show His love and forgiveness? Do you show His Character?
Second, it means that the world’s hearing the good news rests on us. He has given us the stewardship of reconciliation and forgiveness. If we do not tell, many people will not have the opportunity to know Him.
We have been entrusted with the message and ministry of reconciliation.
Third, it means we get to show Him in actions even as we proclaim Him with words. Where will you go today? Wherever you go, you represent Christ. Your patience or frustration, your graciousness or rudeness, your forgiveness or judgmentalism will all show who you are and who you are like.
Who are you living for?
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4 Responses
Outstanding as usual. Sometimes tough to get ourselves out of the way and be what we are supposed to be Christ like in all that we do and say. Toughest is changing how we think, which is an ongoing process. Waylon years ago when I was in AF I learned to think of my brain like computer. Therefore to prevent any provanity any thought or profane word I scheduled my brain to amplify any profanity to stop it from being spoken. It also amplified it when someone else used one. It eventually stopped me from even thinking it. I also started telling people who used Gods name invane He had nothing to do with it. It stopped them to ask who had nothing to do with it. They weren’t consously realizing there own habit and mannerisms Anyway my thought is Lord teach me to think within your will and way. That solves a lot of problems and He is always with us in the Spirit, we just need to listen to Him.
Ray Weaver
Great insights into programming your brain. I love Romans 12:2 where we are transformed by the renewing of our mind.
Great Easter message Waylon. Thk you.
Thanks so much, Danny