"The Calling"
When an ambassador ponders the duties of each new day, he views the calling in terms of representation, that is, he seeks to faithfully embody the nation for which he serves as an envoy. His own opinions and reputation do not pave the path on which he will walk that day, but rather the positions of those who have called him to accurately reflect their views and values.
"We are ambassadors for Christ" (II Corinthians 5:20).
God graces His trusting children in the Lord Jesus Christ with the privileged responsibility of representing Him in all things, at all times, and in all places. Our countenance, demeanor, attitude, words, and actions provide the tools whereby we seek to illuminate others with the light of His countenance, demeanor, attitude, words, and actions. The calling begins in the home with our families, and then extends to our relationship with fellow believers, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and all who cross our paths each day. We are lamps of the Light, commissioned and sent forth with the honored purpose of shining with the glory of Another. "Ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).
The calling we consider blesses us with the greatest purpose and significance imaginable. Our Father calls us to glimmer in the night sky of a dark world. As we trust and submit to Him, we absorb and shine forth His light. This involves every aspect of our life and being. Indeed, even though my calling concerns the pulpit and the pen, as it were, I do not perceive these privileged duties as my primary service in life as an ambassador for the Lord Jesus. I must rather first conduct my everyday life by the leading and enabling of the Holy Spirit in a manner that reflects well on Him. "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31). The same is true of every believer. Whatever our callings, the calling involves glorifying the Lord Jesus in "whatsoever," thus filling our moments with the most wondrous reason for existing and truly living. "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).
A final thought. As ambassadors for Christ, we always represent Him. Having taken His name, we either reflect well on Him or poorly. People either see in us the Lord Jesus as He is, or they see a misrepresentation. Earthly ambassadors realize this. Heavenly ambassadors must realize it far more. We must not take our Lord's name in vain by portraying Him in a manner that gives a false impression of who He is, what He thinks, and how He promises to act. Certainly this injects the most solemn seriousness into the subject at hand. Doubtless we all have times when we do not shine with the true light that reveals our Lord as He is. As I write these words, the realization of too many failures in this regard is almost overwhelming. However, we serve a faithful and forgiving Father. "There is forgiveness with Thee" (Psalm 130:4). As believers, we get to start from where we are. Thus, may we arise and go forth in this day with the determination to faithfully represent our Lord in all things, rejoicing in the calling, and realizing the seriousness of ever being the lamps of His light.
"Not unto us, o Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy and Thy truth's sake."
(Psalm 115:1)
Weekly Memory Verse
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
(I Timothy 1:14)
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