In Phil 3.20, Paul tells us that we are citizens of Heaven. And that is a glorious thought to meditate on! But in 2Cor 5.20 Paul tells us that we are also ambassadors of Christ on earth! See, not only are we citizens of heaven and foreigners on earth, but we are also ambassadors of Jesus while on earth. Citizenship in heaven describes who we are and where we’re really from (I can hear some of you slapping your foreheads and exclaiming - 'I knew he was from the heavens, from outer space!'). But ambassadorship describes our duty while living here on earth. It is what we are called to do while living here. Look at some of the characteristics of ambassadorship…
Ambassadors must live in a foreign country, even though they are citizens of a home country. That’s what they are called to do - live in the foreign country. They must also remember that it is a temporary home. For the Christian, we are called to live on earth although it isn’t really home. Our true home is heaven, we are in fact citizens of heaven. But we live temporarily in a foreign land called earth (and yes, it does seem foreign at times!).
Ambassadors represent their homeland and its leader to others. As Americans, we represent the USA the President. As Kiwis, you represent NZ and the Prime Minister wherever you live. And as citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Christ, we are to represent heaven and Jesus to others.
Ambassadors are under the authority of their home government, even though they temporarily live in foreign land. For instance, a US ambassador must obey the US President - if he says leave, come home, then the ambassador must submit and obey. Are we as Christians, submitted to our ultimate Authority, the Lord Jesus Christ?
Ambassadors are ultimately under the laws and customs of their home country. We as citizens of heaven are not under laws and customs of earth - yes, we must respect and abide by them. But ultimately, we are under the spiritual laws and principles of God’s Word.
Ambassadors should have a true love for and a loyalty to their homeland, its citizens, and what it represents. In fact, they must defend it and them! As citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Christ, do we have a true loyalty to heaven, its citizens (our brethren) and it’s Leader - the Lord? Are we willing to defend heaven - to even die for it? Are we willing to die for its King of kings and Lord of lords?
So remember, we are citizens of heaven! But while we live on earth, we are also ambassadors of Jesus Christ! So let's live out our identity and fulfill our duties!
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. -- Colossians 3.1-3 --
2 comments:
Great piece...must say I love the alliteration, making them flow nicely - you been taking classes lately? ;)
hey craig, thanks for the feedback. nope, no classes, just inspired by some of our baptist brothers who use alliterations and acrostics quite well! ;-)
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