The Man God Made You to Beනියැදිය

It’s Not About You

Have you ever considered the job of an ambassador?

It is often seen in politics, where a person is in the position of representing their country in a foreign land.

But it can also simply mean “an authorized messenger or representative.”

Basically, it means that your life is not about you, but the one you represent.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes that we are “Christ’s ambassadors.” This is quite the statement!

You might be wondering if Paul knew what he was writing. I know I would not give myself that title. I would not choose myself to speak for or represent Jesus. I’m way too broken for that position.

But then I think about Abraham. A guy who was called by God to move to a foreign land, live in tents, and believe that it was all so that God could build the nation of Israel through him.

How did he do that?

Faith (Hebrews 11:8).

Why did he do that?

A promise of a heavenly city, he had to wait for (Hebrews 11:10).

What did he do in the meantime?

He was God’s chosen messenger and representative in a pagan culture. His identity was not his own, but he reflected God in all he did.

In 2 Corinthians 5:1, Paul writes that we live this life in temporary tents as we await our heavenly home.

Sounds a lot like Abraham.

And what are we to do while we wait?

Have faith in the promises of Christ, and be His ambassadors to the world.

In other words, we are called to live in such a way that our identity reflects the One we represent and not ourselves.

What’s interesting about ambassadors is that they don’t pick themselves, but are instead given that title by the one who chooses them.

Jesus knows how broken we are, and maybe that’s the point; it’s not about our perfect identities, but rather about His and how He is “making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).

Then, our job as Christian men is to ensure that our identity is less about representing ourselves and more about representing Him in everything.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that in all that You are calling me to do, You have not left me alone. Help me to follow You in faith and trust You with the outcome. Amen.

Reflection: In what big thing is God asking you to trust Him? Talk to Him about it and take the step He is asking you to take.