Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 NIV

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

Not again! How many times is this going to happen, I asked myself as I discovered my empty lunch plate. Kate our Labrador retriever had made the most of her opportunity once again. No amount of scolding or discipline was breaking her of this habit of stealing unattended food stuffs. Oh well, I lamented, as I trundled back to the kitchen, that hot dog wasn’t a good choice for me anyway.

Looking back, I often find myself laughing at Kate’s antics which were at one time such an annoyance, for in hindsight she taught me much as a Christian when it comes to making the most of every opportunity. God has called us to be Christ’s ambassadors in this world, to make the most of every opportunity to share the good news of salvation; good news which, when received by faith, snatches souls from the jaws of spiritual death. Spiritual death is eternity without God, total darkness, total chaos, whereas spiritual life ensures an eternity of light and harmony, in the presence of God our Lord and maker.

In today’s world Christianity is in many locales fast becoming irrelevant to our lifestyles and mindsets. Churches are shrinking. Christianity is often seen as being folksy and quaint but not relevant. It’s something from the past and has little if any room in the future. Thus making the most of every opportunity to share the good news of Christ is paramount. Let us therefore each ask God this day to keep our minds focused on Him through the power of the Holy Spirit that we might be prepared and ready to be ambassadors for Jesus anytime, anyplace and in any circumstance that people worldwide may continue to be reconciled to God.

Prayer: Father God, how we praise you for our salvation Christ. How we are thankful for the grace which has saved us. Alert our hearts and minds this day to Spirit given opportunities to be ambassadors for Jesus. Grant us both grace and courage that our words and deeds might be seasoned with godly wisdom, and unconditional love and acceptance toward all those with whom we cross paths. In Christ’s name we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, BC lynnephipps@hotmail.com