I find this passage to be one of the most inspiring passages in Scripture:
For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:14-21, ESV)
Two definitions:
1) Reconcile: Restore friendly relations between people, to bring about harmony
2) Ambassador: A diplomatic official of the highest rank, an authorized messenger or representative
3 questions:
1) Have you been reconciled to God? If so, are you living as a new creation? Why or why not?
2) Where has God placed you as an ambassador? What would God tell the people around you, and what is stopping you from telling them yourself?
3) As an ambassador, are you seeking to reconcile people to God? Or are your actions distancing people from God? How can you join in the ministry of reconciliation today?
I implore you to think about these verses and questions today. God has chosen you specifically and put you in a place of honor. Whether you like it or not, if you call yourself a Christian, you represent Christ.
That means you can make a dramatic difference in this world. Why not start living as one reconciled today?
