Worship
Scripture
For you parents out there, have you ever shouted “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” while your kiddo runs out the door? Maybe for some of you, that’s not a great standard to hold them to! But nonetheless, we’ve all heard the phrase and whether we like it or not, our children inevitably represent us in name and action. When my toddler throws a tantrum in the grocery store lineup it’s hard not to sheepishly apologize and leave my cart for the car. The awkward stares and knowing glances from fellow moms don’t help! I know it doesn’t make me a bad mom, but in the moment, I still wish my son was politely sitting in the cart.
As Christians, we represent a family far wider than our earthly one; the Kingdom of God.
Unlike our earthly parents who may not be worthy of emulation, God deserves the honor of our holy actions. What do we constantly hear from worldly naysayers? “Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites.” And to be frank, they’re right! We preach the things of God and then represent something different in our actions. Paul calls us to a higher level of accountability by means of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 says “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.”
We are “ambassadors” of Christ! That is a weighty title and one I’m sure I’ll never live up to but certainly hope to! How can we grow in character and better represent a perfect God? Through Christ whose death and resurrection allows us to be reconciled in relationship with him! When we walk closely with God, He makes His “appeal through us.” What an honor to represent His name in a broken world. And praise God, even though my faults are many and I’ll never live up to His name, He still chooses to call me an ambassador and use me in His glorious plan for reconciliation.
Prayer
HONOR GOD
John 3:16 NIV
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God has given us new life in Christ. Take a moment and thank Him for this incredible gift!
ASK GOD
John 3:21 NIV
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Living by truth brings light and sight. Ask God to give you a heart for His truth. What do you need to confess to Him? Where do you need His help?
SUBMIT TO GOD
John 3:18 NIV
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Submit your heart to God today and live free of condemnation!
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, you are gracious. You’ve given me life. You’ve redeemed my soul, and given me power through the Holy Spirit. Help me to live like you today. In Jesus Name, Amen!