Our Representatives

Our Representatives
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We are ambassadors, sent out by God to stand in Jesus' place, but did you know that you also have been given several personal ambassadors?

Ambassadors can be in places where their leader cannot be. For example, our president has ambassadors around the world who represent him and our country. They speak and act for him. Our president may be in W ashington, D.C., but in effect, he is acting and speaking in many places around the world.

In the same way, our personal ambassadors can speak and act for us in places we cannot be. We send out our ambassadors from the following three areas of our lives:

1. OUR WORDS

Whenever we witness to sinners or offer words of encouragement and comfort to other Christians, we send out our ambassadors. Our words, powered by the Holy Spirit, can continue to speak for us. W e do not have to be a minister behind a pulpit with a large book and tape ministry to have a far reaching affect on the world. Our words of encouragement to people go with them as they travel throughout our city, our country, and around the world, reaching others we will never meet. With one we plant, another we water, but God eventually gets the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

2. OUR WORKS

The gospel of Jesus is more than just words and preaching. It is also laying hands on the sick and casting out devils. Giving a cup of cold water will bring a prophet's reward for us in eternity. The New Testament is filled with examples of good works we can do for others: we can remember the poor, give to those in need, do good to the brethren, walk honestly, love our enemies, and pray for those who despitefully
use us — just to name a few!

Each of these good deeds are ambassadors we send out to bless others. Like our words of witness and comfort, our good deeds work for us and bring rewards to us. They also bring honor to the Lord Jesus, the One Who has sent us.

3. OUR GIVING

In Luke 16:1-15, Jesus called money our servant. Just as an ambassador can go many places and work for his leader, money is our ambassador to work for us and the kingdom of God. Money can remain in our own church, city, and country, or it can go around the world. Money is a great ambassador because it will work wherever we designate it, and it takes no praise for itself. Whenever we give offerings to ministers who work around the world, we become part of all they are doing. Whatever reward is given to them by the Lord will also be given to those who financially back them.

David promised his army God would reward equally those who stayed by the supplies as those who went to war (1 Samuel 30:24). When invested in a worthwhile project, your money can keep on producing long after you are gone. When your church begins a building program, some may feel as if they do not want to "give into brick and mortar." But what a privilege to build a building which will be around long after you are gone! Many will be saved, filled with the Spirit, healed, and taught in the years to come because you sent your money as an ambassador today.

Bob Yandian

If you like this article, check out Pastor Bob's series Royal Representatives at the BYM Store.