In the social media world, it’s not unusual to be an “ambassador ” for a company or brand you like. The responsibilities and perks can vary from brand to brand, but usually involve promoting the brand’s products or services in exchange for free products, discounts, access to special events, and/or monetary payment. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5: 20 that we are ambassadors for Christ. What do you think the responsibilities and perks are for that role?
Being An Ambassador for Christ
To me, the responsibilities of being an ambassador for Christ seem overwhelming.
As a Christian, I wonder how I possibly could live up to representing such a truly perfect brand?
Considering the perspective of my potential audience, I wonder how I can convincingly share the brand’s astounding message that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) How can I explain that God loves us—wholly and unconditionally–and wants us to love one another. (John 15:12)
As an ambassador, how can I make my message have more “reach” than the messages of others who claim to be ambassadors but pursue other agendas. The Christ I follow reached out to outcasts, hung out with riffraff, and called on his followers to care for widows, orphans, and foreigners. Every single time Jesus encountered a “sinner,” He offered reconciliation, not condemnation. Even when the law called for punishment, Jesus suggested that only he who is without sin should cast a stone. (John 8:7)
When I think of how to conduct myself as an ambassador for Christ, I think of that old hymn, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” I guess Jesus said it first, in John 13:34-35:
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
I also remember that love is an action word, and the most important role for an ambassador of Christ is to act with love towards others. As Jesus said in Matthew 25:35-36, 40:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. … [W]hatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Like I said, the responsibilities seem overwhelming, but as Paul said in Phillipians 4:13:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Do you know that God loves you?
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Although I am not Christian, I do have a deep spiritual side and yes, I do believe that God loves me.
I just finished a book I’d downloaded a long time ago, Max Strom’s A life Worth Breathing. So much of it spoke to me and it explores this very topic (partially, anyway) from all sorts of views, including Christian.
That sounds like a really interesting book!
I believe that truly loving and respecting yourself is the first step towards sharing that love with others
That can be a difficult step for some people!
Very interesting lens to approach this from. I’m not a Christian, but those are some wonderful questions to explore for any faith.
I am not religious at all but I do believe in the message you are presenting 🙂 we could all use a bit more love and caring in this world and I did grow up in religion; I remember and think about the positive aspects of it.
I’m lucky that most of my church experiences have been positive — the last two churches I’ve attended have been very open, accepting, and tolerant.
Thanks for this thought provoking post. Yes, I believe that God loves me in spite of all my flaws. One way I try to be an ambassador for Christ is by making sure that I make a positive impact in my community either through volunteering or donating money/items.
Thank you for your thoughts! In a pretty crazy world where humans are so quick to rush to judgement it’s important to keep the big picture in mind! A daunting task indeed at times!