First Word for August 2024

I was at a conference recently with a few of our leaders, and we had the privilege of hearing John Maxwell speak. John is known for his countless books on leadership and his evangelistic anointing to lead others to Christ. 

He spoke superbly about how we are called to be ambassadors for Christ and his Kingdom. The role of an ambassador is such an important role. They represent their leader and nation in everything they say and do. 

2 Cor. 5:19-20 says, “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.”

John reminded us that “…we do not have the freedom of expressing our own message. Our message is that of reconciliation between God and people.”

 In his kind, loving, fatherly way and with all of the wisdom of his 77 years on earth he said, “My name is John, I am your friend, you are embarrassing me. You are making it hard for me to reach people for Jesus.” His point was that many Christians are becoming known for representing a political cause, rather than being an ambassador for Christ. They have become distracted and are putting their hope in elected leaders who don’t embrace the values of Jesus. He pointed out that we have allowed our differences to become divisions between ourselves and others. 

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls us to be salt and light. Salt makes things better, and light makes things brighter. We have this opportunity to be ambassadors who represent our leader and His kingdom in a way that makes a difference in the lives of others. Who are you going to be and what are you going to be known for?

- John Privett