It is not uncommon for someone to ask themselves if they are serious about living for Jesus, what does it look like? What does it look like to call myself a Christ-follower? How am I supposed to know I’m representing Jesus rightly and clearly? How do I know I’m reflecting Him? In a way, though, it starts with another question posed by Tripp:
What does it mean to be an ambassador of the King? It means reflecting his message, his methods, and his character wherever He’s placed me.
As I wrote about in yesterday’s devotion, culture-both outside and inside the church-says it is all about me. “I am the I am. I am strong. I am wise. I am bold. etc” Ad infinitum. Ad nauseum. To get a proper perspective let’s unpack the quote above:
- Representing the king’s message=looking at everything through the lens of the truth of Scripture.
- Representing the king’s methods= seeking to be His tool for change and doing it His way, not mine, not the world’s.
- Representing the king’s character= Before anything I ask myself that that person needs to see in me.
“Father, I want to be a reflection of you-an accurate reflection. Not one covered with a mask. Not one who wears makeup to cover the defects. But one who is accurate and real and honest in his representation of You. Let me show your beauty through me.”
“He must increase, and I must decrease.”
Amen, Bill!
One of my favorite Scripture verses.
To live as an ambassador of the King means to set aside my selfish pursuits. It means of set aside my attempts to seek happiness from the world. It means recognizing the common cultural worldview and doing the polar opposite.
My life is meant to be lived for a purpose. My life is meant to represent my savior King
It is so difficult most of the time to push my selfishness aside. To set aside what I want to pursue God. To really live in a manner that is counter to the current cultural mindset that says life is about making me happy.
Agreed Ryan. I find it hard to push aside my selfishness also. It is not normal and therefore sometimes not on my radar.