"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."
2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)Christians are ambassadors on a short-term assignment in a foreign country called the world. We represent Heaven, and each of us has been sent for a limited time to fulfill a purpose according to the gifts God has given us. Think of how a tourist behaves. Someone visiting a country for three months does not buy a house, furnish it, purchase a car, and open a bank account. Even a guest who stays only one night with a friend does not unpack every suitcase. Those commitments belong to people who plan to stay permanently.
Yet many believers have settled comfortably into this world, entangling themselves in its pleasures, desires, and distractions, forgetting that they are ambassadors and not citizens. One day we will give an account of our mission to the Master who sent us. In the meantime, an ambassador stays focused on the assignment: evangelizing, visiting the sick, praying, giving, and fellowshipping with other believers. Our days here are numbered, so Hebrews 12 urges us to throw off every weight that slows us down and run the race with purpose. Paul reminds us that God makes His appeal through us, urging people to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20). Jesus is awesome. Are you representing Him well?
Lord, remind me that I am an ambassador on assignment and not a permanent resident of this world. Free me from every distraction that settles me too comfortably here. Keep me focused on the mission You gave me, so that I may represent You well and give a good account when You call me home. Amen.