“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20a ESV)

Wikipedia describes an ambassador as a person who represents an entity and does so in a positive manner.

Almost half a century ago, I was a senior financial officer of a major corporation. On my way in to a presentation in the board room, I looked quite concerned as I was thinking about what I was going to present.

The president stopped me and said, “What’s wrong?” After I assured him that all was well, Carl said, “You can’t walk around looking so disturbed. You represent the financial strength of our company. You must always look happy even if you don’t enjoy what you are doing.”

When I shared this memory with one of the staff where I am privileged to live, I pointed out how our staff members always seem to be smiling. Jassy has a particularly charming smile, and even though masks have prevented seeing the actual smile, the sparkle in the eyes reminds us that it is still there. Certainly, the smiling staff are good ambassadors for the owners, even when they may not feel like it.

We are now allowed to remove our masks as we eat in the dining room. Eileen stopped at my table and told me how inspired she was every time she saw my smile. I was humbled and realized that I was privileged to be an ambassador for Christ, showing His love to others, regardless of how I might feel at the time.

It amazes me to think that God allows ordinary people doing simple things to be His ambassadors.

Great church leaders like Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, William Booth, and Billy Graham were great ambassadors for Christ. They were powerful leaders and speakers who led thousands to the truths of the gospel, and we thank God for them.

But just think: doing simple things, in a quiet way, such as giving a smile to indicate that we are rejoicing in all circumstances, can put you and me in the category of His ambassadors.

Fortunately, He is the ultimate strength and can help us to move forward positively.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Ephesians 5:1-5 ESV)

Prayer: Dear God, we are amazed that You give us the privilege of being Your ambassadors. In the smallest of actions, help us to be faithful in sharing Your loving kindness so that we may lead others to You. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Copyright © 2021, by Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Toronto, Ontario, Canada