The Ambassador

During a time of national tragedy, feelings of patriotism and pride in country come naturally to the forefront of one’s mind. While there is nothing wrong in loving our country it is important to remember the relationship Christian’s have with the physical world around them.  As conditions around the world continue to worsen, it is essential to remember where the Christians citizenship is and what his or her role is in the present world.

      In keeping with this thought, consider the following excerpt taken from a policy statement issued by the church in 1988:

      Those who are converted to God's way of life are ambassadors

for Jesus Christ (II Cor. 5:20). As ambassadors and citizens of

the Kingdom of God, Christians are no longer to be involved in

man's systems of government.

      Notice: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we

also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil.

3:20, NKJ). Christ taught that His Kingdom was not of this world.

Consequently, His servants have no part in, but, rather, are

called out of this world. See John 18:36 and Revelation 18:4.

     The Bible reveals that it is God who sets up rulers and

removes them according to His will (Dan. 4:17). The governments

holding power do so only as long as God allows. While they do,

Christians are instructed to be subject to them (Rom. 13:1). If,

however, there should be a conflict between the laws of God and

the laws of man, then, of course, we are to obey God rather than

man. See Acts 5:29.

      Jesus Christ said He will return to set up God's Kingdom, a

world government with righteousness and justice. We are

admonished to pray for His Kingdom to be established on the earth

(Matt. 6:9-10), because then and only then will this world's

problems be solved.

      If we believe the statement above and the scriptural references therein, one has to look at our role in the world today through the perspective of an ambassador. The role of an ambassador is not unfamiliar to our modern society.  It is an analogy that should provide us with practical insight into our present role in this physical world.

    To illustrate this point, imagine yourself as an actual ambassador in our present society, as if you were living and serving your home government in a foreign country. Now ask yourself the following three questions as an ambassador:

1) Are you a citizen of the country in which you live and serve as an ambassador?

2) As an ambassador and citizen of another country, is it proper for you to vote in the elections of the country in which you live?

3) As a citizen of and an ambassador for your home country, can you serve in the army of the country in which you live and work?

 By engaging in this analytical exercise, it helps to put in perspective the role you play as an ambassador for Christ in this present world. It is an important point which Christians need to keep in focus at this present time, and in the perilous times ahead.