“…that you may walk properly toward those who are outside”
We all carry multiple identities – gender, age, favourite football team and the list goes on. But how many of us can say that we consistently carry our Christian identity outside of the church building? Some of us are ‘Christians in disguise’ – top secret Christians! Only you know that you are a Christian. If we were to ask your neighbours, work colleagues or even some members of your family they would be shocked that you are a Christian. You are constantly gossiping, back stabbing and refusing to talk to certain people in the church. Some people think that the best way to show that you are a Christian is to be ‘over –spiritual’ and judgemental and to show how much of the bible you can quote.
Although it is good to know and be familiar with the Word, if this was all it meant to be a Christian how will we reach out to the unbelievers? Actions speak louder than words! The song ‘The Last Jesus’ by Kirk Franklin and the Family puts it beautifully; as a Christian when you are out in the world you have the responsibility to reflect your identity through your conduct and behaviour because you could essentially be the only Christian or the ‘The Last Jesus’ that a person comes into contact with that day or that moment in time. If people struggle to see the Christ in you then they will struggle to see the appeal in getting to know Him and to accept His free gift of salvation. ‘Our words are empty if it does not reflect Christ to unbelievers!
One of the biggest problems today with many of us Christians is that; we are confused within ourselves and these confusions has also brought confusion amongst the unbelievers we come in contact with. Many unbelievers are searching for ‘Christ’ in the world but cannot find Him in us who are called to be a reflection of His light and truth. Many of us Christians lack integrity! On Monday we are Christians, on Tuesday we are cursing and fighting our colleagues. I call them ‘schizophrenic Christians’ – one cannot be sure whether or not they will encounter their Christ-like side when you meet them. Paul tells us to ‘walk properly towards those who are outside’ (1 Thess 4:12). As Christians, we are a walking and a living testimony of God's generous gift to mankind ‘salvation’ and His goodness in our lives. We are call to be ‘ambassadors for Christ’.
An ambassador is ‘an official sent by a higher authority to represent it on a temporary mission’. So as ambassadors for Christ we are representing Jesus here on earth and our mission is to win souls for Him through our Christ-like conduct - 1 Peter 1:15, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;". We are to walk in love, peace, goodness…self – control - Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Easier said than done huh! Who said it would be easy following Christ? But then again nothing good in life comes easy.
However as we submit our flesh and learn to ‘walk in the spirit’ this will bring gradual movement from mental rules and disciplines to an obedience rooted in the heart’s judgements and convictions. Our lifestyles as ambassadors should attract others as light in contrast to the darkness of the world. Many of us Christians do not realise what a great honour and privilege it is to be an "ambassador for Christ." We should be bringing the lost to Christ and through our lives people should glorify our Father!
Reflections:
Have you begun your assignment?
If not what are you waiting for?
The world needs you to be the light so your heavenly Father can be glorified. Let your actions speak and words reflect Christ - win souls for Christ!
2011 Rianne Sintim. All rights reserved.
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