YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST
YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; nor it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
According to this passage Christians including the youth who have dedicated their lives to the Lord are the light of the world. What does light do?
- Light shows the way when there is darkness. As the light of the world Christians should lead the lost (those who have not accepted the Lord as their savior) to the Lord.
- Light can also be a kind of decoration. It brightens a place and makes it more beautiful. As the light of the world our lives should be attractive (lead a good life as directed in the bible) in order to draw others to God.
- Light is a source of heat and protection. We should let the message of salvation give hope and security to a world full evil and suffering.
- Light is a source of energy. Christians should show the world that the Holy Spirit gives strength or energy to live right.
The Oxford English dictionary defines an ambassador as a senior diplomat representing his or her country abroad. Christians are God’s representatives on earth (abroad) our home is in heaven. We should present Christ to the world diplomatically or with care so as not to offend, by what we say and do.
We are to show the way in a dark and wicked world. We are to let our light shine and be an example of what the power of God can do in the life of a believer, so that others may see and give glory to our Father in heaven. How can we let our light shine?
- We must follow Jesus’s example (John 8 :12)
- We must keep ourselves away from sin (1 John 1: 5-7)
- We must be wise in our dealings with one another. (Ephesians 5 :14-15)
- Let no one despise your youth, be an example (1 Timothy 4 : 12)
- Do good (Matthew 5 : 16)
We must follow Jesus’s example.
Then spake again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of the world.
We can follow Jesus’s example by doing the things He did. Some of the things He did were:
- Fasting praying before starting a ministry or undertaking an important task ( He fasted and prayed in the wilderness before starting His ministry. He prayed before He faced His death at Calvary)
- Rising up early in the morning and going to a quiet place to pray before starting the day.
- Doing the will of the father e.g. obeying the Ten Commandments and accepting to die on the cross.
- Helping the weak, sick and oppressed.
We must keep ourselves away from sin
This then is the message we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him, and we walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
Sin is normally associated with darkness. In this passage walking in darkness could be said to be living in sin and not accepting the Lord Jesus as your savior.
Once you accept the Lord as your saviour you should keep away from sin. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help and direction to keep away from sin and do what is right.
We must be wise in our dealings with one another
Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectively, not as fools, but as wise.
This passage is directing believers or Christians to “walk circumspectively” that is to deal cautiously with one another or be watchful, so that we can avoid trouble at all times. It also says we should awake from our sleep. This does not mean we are literally asleep but we may be unaware of what is happening around us.
Every day, the devil and his agents are planning evil against the children of God. He wants to snatch as many people as possible into his kingdom. Let us take note of this and be wise in our dealings with all men.
Let no one despise your youth, Be an example
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith in purity.
The youth are normally associated with the term “youthful exuberance” that is being full of enthusiasm or of high spirit. Always, wanting to enjoy life. This leads the youth into all sorts of vices that could eventually destroy them.
Timothy is advising the youth not to be involved in unnecessary activities but rather be an example to those around them. The youth should aim at glorifying God by leading lives that would draw all men unto God.
Do Good
Matthew 5 : 16
Let your life so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
This verse re-emphasizes the need for believers to set a good example for others to follow.
Do not only be concerned about the poor, give them money as often as you can. Find a way to help them acquire skills they could use to make money.
Do not only visit the sick. Pray for them, get them the drugs they need if they cannot buy them. For the terminally ill, comfort them with truth from the word of God and give them the company they cannot get from other people.
To the hungry, provide food and to the homeless, try and provide or find them some shelter. These are a few examples of the good works one can do as an ambassador for Christ and the light of the world.
If you do these things cheerfully, God will be glorified and others would desire to serve and live for Him too.
Conclusion
I would like to end this article with Eccelesiastes 12 ; 13-14
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter : Fear God, and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Always remember that you are an ambassador for Christ, the light of the world, therefore, aim at drawing as many people as possible to God.
References
Leave a Reply