by: Russell McLaughlin

Ambassadors For Christ

             A reporter of New Philadelphia, Ohio, reported in September 1985 a celebration at a New Orleans’ municipal pool.  The party around the pool was held to celebrate the first summer in memory without a drowning at any New Orleans’ city pool.  In honor of the occasion, two hundred people gathered, including one hundred certified lifeguards.

            As the party was breaking up and the four lifeguards on duty began to clear the pool, they found a fully dressed body in the deep end.  They tried to revive Jerome Moody, thirty-one, but it was too late.  He had drowned surrounded by lifeguards celebrating their successful season.

            I wonder how many visitors and strangers are among us drowning in loneliness, hurt, doubt, and lostness, while we who could help them don’t realize it.  We Christians have reason to celebrate, but our mission, as the old hymn says, is to “rescue the perishing,” and often they are right next to us.

            Paul plants the seed that we are “ambassadors” who are commissioned to conduct ourselves so that in world, we will help reconcile people to God by teaching and serving them on Christ’s behalf. Paul says, “20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20. An ambassador is a representative commissioned by a sovereign to speak and act on his behalf and for his interest. The word implies authority and responsibility.

            Each of us have the authority and responsibility to show forth the spirit and teaching of Christ – by our lives – every day!  Be an AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST!