Everyday Virtues of an Ambassador for Christ

It is my desire to be an effective ambassador for Jesus Christ and I am willing to bet that many of you reading this share that same desire.

Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason has compiled an "Ambassador's Creed" that is worth repeating here:

An ambassador for Christ is…
  • Ready. An Ambassador is alert for chances to represent Christ, will not back away from a challenge or an opportunity, and will not be stumped by the same challenge twice.
  • Patient. An Ambassador won’t quarrel, but will listen in order to understand, then will with gentleness seek to respectfully engage those who disagree.
  • Reasonable. An Ambassador has informed convictions (not just feelings), gives reasons, asks questions, and aggressively seeks answers.
  • Tactical. An Ambassador adapts to each unique person and situation, maneuvering with wisdom to challenge bad thinking, presenting the truth in an understandable and compelling way.
  • Clear. An Ambassador is careful with language and will not rely on Christian lingo or gain unfair advantage by resorting to empty rhetoric.
  • Fair. An Ambassador is sympathetic and understanding towards others and will acknowledge the merits of contrary views.
  • Honest. An Ambassador is careful with the facts and will not misrepresent another’s view, overstate his own case, or understate the demands of the Gospel.
  • Humble. An Ambassador is provisional in his claims, knowing that his understanding of truth is fallible. He will not press a point beyond what his justification allows. 
  • Attractive. An Ambassador will act with grace, kindness, and good manners. He will not dishonor Christ in his conduct.
  • Dependent. An Ambassador knows that effectiveness requires joining his best efforts with God’s power. [1]
Koukl suggests revisiting the creed on a regular basis:

"The creed has been a great help to me. I reread it every month as a regular reminder of the kind of man I want to be for Christ.

I find that if I’m not vigilant and intentional about my character, it’s easy to become shrill, thoughtless, unkind, uncharitable, self-centered…Christ and His Kingdom deserve better than that, though, and reflecting on the Ambassador’s Creed helps me to live closer to my calling." [2]

Courage and Godspeed,
Chad

Footnotes:
1. Greg Koukl, Virtues of an Ambassador for Christ- Everyday, Jul. 25, 2013.
2. Ibid.

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