As the holiday season and Black Friday in particular approaches, I’m reminded that we are by nature promoters.
In the coming weeks, we’re likely to tell family and friends about the brands we like, the best places to find deals, and the recipes we most recommend. Some of us will post online asking others for the best Christmas events in our area or rating our own experiences to give others insight into how they might spend their next festive weekend.
We naturally share about stuff we like, dislike, find useful, etc. We act daily as ambassadors of whatever we have or whatever we know about that others might benefit from.
Jesus actually calls us to this, but as His own ambassadors.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” -2 Corinthians 5:20
Being reconciled to Christ is in the best interest of everyone we know. He’s far more than a 10/10 recommendation and will make a bigger difference in life than a peloton or an instant pot.
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But Jesus doesn’t tend to come up in conversation as frequently or naturally.
A Bible study teacher of mine once commented how it struck him that the people he regularly conversed with knew his wife’s name and plenty of information about her just because of us how much he brought her up. He realized those same people may have heard him mention church or on occasion the Bible, but likely didn’t know a thing about how much Jesus was a part of his life.
His story comes to my mind when I catch myself easily returning to the same topics with the same people over and over, but Jesus isn’t one of the primary points.
I don’t share about Christ as much as I should – or want to!
However, as He continues to work at my heart and the flame of the Spirit continues to be fanned inside, I’m finding more and more that I want to be an ambassador for Jesus.
I want His answers to come to mind when someone shares their struggles with me. When I hear questions, concerns, and just plain old chatter, I want to hear the Holy Spirit responding in me. Just as my favorite venues, brands, and places to get a great deal pop up in conversation, I want Jesus to pop up when life stuff comes up in conversation, because He’s always the best answer I can give.
What a blessing that when we’re drawing near to Him and relying on Him more, acting as His ambassador comes more naturally!
Will you pray with me for courage and passion for us as Christ’s ambassadors? Especially as this season tends to offer many opportunities to gather with others and share our recommendations?
{A version of this post was previously published here}
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Thanks, Bethany, for this wake up call. I struggle with the challenge of meaningful conversation, and you reassure me here that the struggle is worth struggling over.
The struggle is real for me too, Michele! But so worth it, as you said. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Bethany, I was recently challenged by the movie Sabina. The Wurmbrands pursued opportunities to introduce their neighbors to Christ even though they suffered repeated rejection and prison. And their lives bore amazing fruit. My desire to be comfortable fights my desire to boldly love others.
I have heard that movie is excellent, I need to find it. What a testimony! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
So true–He is what people most need. Yet we’re strangely reluctant to bring Him up. Maybe because we’re afraid of a negative reaction? Yet, even though people react negatively at first, the seed planted and watered can take root in their hearts and turn them to Him eventually. I agree with Debbie above: “My desire to be comfortable fights my desire to boldly love others.” May God give us grace to share the most important person anyone needs.
I’m often reluctant because I don’t want a negative reaction – or to put them off Christ by messing up how I respond! But we are called to boldly love, and what is more loving than sharing Christ? May God give us grace to share Him, indeed! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Oh my! I am going to be more aware of my conversations. Who do I mention most. Who do I recommend most. I know I direct more people Jesus based on his track record with me during trials but I’m sure I could do so much better. Time is drawing near and we must be about our Father’s business.
I’m trying to be more aware, too, Calvonia! We must be about our Father’s business – and it’s such good business! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Bethany, your post is convicting. Do I pepper in enough references about my relationship with Christ to season my conversations? Probably people know more about husband or grandkids than they do about Christ from listening to me!
This convicts me too, Jerralea! May we share Him more and more! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I have the same conviction as that bible study teacher. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for joining in, Lauren! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Amen Bethany. -> -> “ I want Jesus to pop up when life stuff comes up in conversation, because He’s always the best answer I can give.” Me too my friend. Blessings.
Thanks for joining in and your encouragement, Paula! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!