The Active Ambassador

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. _{Colossians 3:17}

Life is a constant flow of actions and you have probably heard someone say that in any given situation you can either be re-active or pro-active. You can either let others direct your actions or move forward on your own initiative. But what about the Christian – are these options relevant, or applicable?

In presenting ourselves as followers of Christ, we no longer pursue our own agenda. We follow and represent a higher authority at all times. We are Kingdom workers and ambassadors of Christ with a commission to draw others to the truth of the gospel. In achieving that, the Christian does engage in being both re-active and pro-active. We are pro-active in taking the gospel to the people but then become re-active as we share the gospel with those who have different views or beliefs. The apostle Paul knew the importance of this, and while the salvation message stayed the same, he adjusted how it was told to suit his audience.

I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. _{1 Corinthians 9:22}

Everything we do and say should be done to honour and glorify the name of the Lord Jesus. We carry His name, and we need to do so with dignity and compassion as well as with confidence and strength.

The Christian life is not just about presenting ourselves well, but representing Christ well.