Dominic & Lindsay Russo

devo - 06.19.09

I was reading the other day in 2 Corinthians where it talks about being an "Ambassador for Christ."  I don't know about you, but to me that sounds like a mouthful!  What does it mean to be an ambassador?  In the literal sense, an ambassador is an "authorized messenger of the highest rank sent as a representative for a specific mission." (I cheated, dictionary.com)  I have heard so many preachers speak about being Christ's ambassador and going to the nations of the world to give food to the hungry, clothe the needy and so on.  Although these things are wonderful (and we're heading to Nicaragua to do just that in 1.5 weeks!) I want to know what it looks like to be Christ's ambassador on a day-to-day basis.  Other than the obvious, like trying our best to posses the fruits of the spirit (or as many as we can pick that day! ) what exactly does it look like?

2 Corinthians 6:3-8 states it very well:

"We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.  In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.  We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind... We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.  We faithfully preach the truth.  God's power is working in us...We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander or praise us."

Okay, I know that was loaded with a lot of controversy, but just think about it.  I don't know about you, but I haven't experienced things half this bad and still didn't show patience and kindness!  I think it is so profound that the only way that we can endure these things with the right attitude is with the Holy Spirit within us. We cannot do it alone! I cannot do it alone!  And if you think you can, God bless ya, but I don't want to try!  

The Bible also says that living this way is considered a "fearful responsibility" (2 Cor. 5:1) and we shouldn't take it lightly, because God will shine through us even in the worst of times.  Have you ever noticed that people always seem to be looking at you under a microscope when things aren't going your way, just to see how you react?  What we do during challenging situations quite possibly could be one of our greatest witnesses.

This week, think of the verse above and pray for God to fill you with patience, kindness, understanding and sincere love for others, especially the ones who do you wrong.  You never know how you may change someone's life just by letting the Holy Spirit react for you instead of your own emotions!

-Lindsay