Ambassadors for Christ

​On June 28, 1914, Austrian archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. Years later, telegrams between the leaders of Russia and Germany (Nicholas and Wilhelm) revealed how they tried to avoid involving their countries in a conflict. However, the German chancellor did not agree with Kaiser Wilhelm's plans for a peaceful resolution. He instructed the ambassador in St. Petersburg to tell the Russian foreign minister, "A European war could scarcely be prevented."

Soon after Nicholas sent a telegram to Wilhelm, saying: "Thanks for your telegram conciliatory and friendly. Whereas official message presented today by your ambassador conveyed a different tone. Beg you to explain." But the damage was done, and on August 1, war was declared.

Paul described the Christian as an "ambassador," working "in Christ's stead" to reconcile the lost to God. As ambassadors, we are to make known to others the plan of salvation (God's terms for peace). We are not to change those "terms" or get instructions from another source. Consider the confusion of a lost soul when God's ambassadors bring the wrong message. Is there anything in our words or actions that could cause ones to say: "The message presented by your ambassador conveyed a different tone. Please explain."

It is vitally important that we, as "ambassadors for Christ," frequently talk to the One we are representing. We bear His name and His message. How much conflict might be avoided if His "ambassadors" would talk to Him each day!

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
—    (Jesus)   John 12:49