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“We are Christ’s ambassadors.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT)
If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re an ambassador for him. The Bible says it very clearly: “We are Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT).
What is an ambassador? Simply put, an ambassador is a representative sent out on a mission to build relationships. There are all kinds of ambassadors—political, economic, cultural, business, and goodwill ambassadors. And the Bible says there are spiritual ambassadors—that’s you and me!
As an ambassador of Jesus, you have three roles.
First, you represent Jesus in the world. That should affect everything about how you live. Philippians 1:27 says, “Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ” (NCV).
Many years ago, I was selected as one of eight high school students in California to be an ambassador to an international congress on science and the environment. As I walked out the door, my dad said to me, “Son, remember who you represent.” I didn’t just represent California; I represented the Warren name. And I didn’t just represent the Warren name; I represented Jesus Christ.
As you go about your day, it’s a good phrase to keep in mind: Remember who you represent. When you’re at work, playing a sport, or stuck in traffic—remember who you represent. And, as Ephesians 4:1 says, “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (NIV).
Second, you’ve been given a mission. In the Message paraphrase, Jesus prays, “In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world” (John 17:18).
When you’re on a mission, that’s all that matters. You’re there to get the job done—not to take a vacation. You have a mission to accomplish. And of all the missions in the world, the most important mission of all is helping people get to know God and settle their eternal destiny.
The apostle Paul said this, “I don’t care about my own life. The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me— to tell people the Good News about God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NCV).
Third, you have been given authority to speak. Sometimes you may not feel confident talking about God to other people. But Jesus has authorized you to speak about him: “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20 GNT).
Remember: If you’re a follower of Jesus, you’re his ambassador. That means you represent him, you have a mission from him, and you’re authorized to tell the Good News about him!
Talk It Over
Think about your daily life. When do you represent Jesus well? When is it a struggle?
Do you live your life like you’re on a mission? What changes can you make to be more focused on your mission?
Is it difficult or easy for you to share the Good News with other people? How does it help you to remember that Jesus has authorized you to tell others about him?
Are you ready to settle your eternal destiny?
Are you ready to get to know God and settle your eternal destiny today? If you’ve never made the choice to accept Jesus and give your life to him, you can pray this prayer. There’s nothing magical about the words. What matters is your heart. Pray something like this:
“Father, I know I need a fresh start. I confess my sins and ask you to forgive me. Your Word says if anyone believes in Christ, they’re a new creation. So here I am. I believe and I’m asking to be made new. Let the old me pass away. Fill me with your Spirit and lead me into the life you’ve meant for me all along. I receive Jesus now as my Lord and Savior. In his name I pray. Amen.”

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