To the weak I became as weak, that I may gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).
In keeping with our theme of “Kingdom Ambassadors” we established the special roles that God’s children occupy as ambassadors to the world; we also saw that even when in bonds (symbolising challenges of the Christian life), the believer must remain a faithful witness of the Lord Jesus (Eph 6:18-20). Today’s exhortation stresses the need for Christ ambassadors to look out for opportunities to represent the King in different situations of life; and also to further appreciate the unity in diversity that should characterise heaven diplomatic corps here on earth. Fulfilling this noble role requires the different but special personalities, talents, skills and peculiarities which every kingdom ambassador possesses.
Interestingly, some of these ambassadorial peculiarities may seem like disadvantages when they are not put in the right context. For example, it may look like a disadvantage to live in a poor and rural community; however, there has to be believers in such communities to reach the residents with the gospel. Similarly, while it is not joyful to be in prison, it would also take someone being in chains (like Paul and Silas) to be agents of positive change within the prison walls.
The role of kingdom ambassadors encompasses the reasons why believers are kept here on earth, on spiritual diplomatic tour of duty. Consequently, believers must deliberately and proactively seek out opportunities for Christian service & evangelism wherever they may be. We must be spurred on by the love of God to continue to seek to reconcile man back to the creator. This would often entail building relationships, connecting with people, and deliberately positioning ourselves to represent heaven in all facets of human endeavour.
The world is composed of vastly different people, places and things; and in order to serve the Lord and occupy for him effectively, ambassadors will have to be located in all the different parts and circumstances of the world. Consequently, in order to become all things to all men, the approaches to Christian service must be varied and flexible. However, flexibility does not connote compromising the standards and principles of the word of God; in fact, compromise would nullify the effort and weaken the effectiveness of Christ ambassadors. Believers must follow the Jesus Model of reaching out to people of all shades and in every situation, including tax collectors, prostitutes, the rich, the infirmed etc; yet he was without sin (2 Cor 5:21).
In spite of the hostility that the world may exhibit, it is a great honour to be appointed an ambassador of heaven to the world. This is therefore a wake-up call for all believers to be proactive, individually and collectively, towards occupying effectively for the Lord. We shall succeed in this special assignment, individually and collectively, through Christ who gives us strength, Amen.
God bless all Kingdom Ambassadors.
Pastors Marcus & Norah Chilaka
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