Tripp Atkinson - The most important job...
Who Am I? I am an Ambassador of Christ.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
This verse has some incredibly good news, and also some incredibly bad news. The good news is that we are ambassadors for Christ. Imagine the significance of that reality. As followers of Christ, we not only receive forgiveness of our sins, have a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe, and enjoy eternal life that begins at the moment of Salvation; but we also have the privilege of representing Christ to this world. What an honor! This isn’t about representing your class, school, or even country, but about representing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! How amazing that we have such a high commission.
The bad news is that WE are ambassadors for Christ. This same overwhelmingly prestigious honor of being emissaries for Christ becomes soberingly bad news when we consider that most who call themselves Christians don’t take this responsibility seriously. Think of all the times that “we” Christians grossly misrepresent our Lord. The very word Christian means “little Christ”, but how well are we imitating Christ? In fact, instead of drawing this world to Christ, many who claim His name do just the opposite.
Consider Paul’s description of his role as an ambassador of Christ; “as though God were pleading through us… be reconciled to God.” To whom in your life does God want to plead through you?
Do you feel overwhelmed and under-qualified to be an ambassador for Christ to this person? The good news is that you do not have to do it on your own strength. (In fact, you can’t.) The Holy Spirit will empower you to produce Christ-like ”fruit” in your life, will give you the words to say, and will fill you with boldness as you yield to His work in your life. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He left his followers with these words, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8).
Challenge
So pray and ask God to help you fully embrace your significance as an ambassador of Christ. Thank Him that you have the power available to you today to be a person of influence for His Kingdom. Pray for boldness as you allow God to work through you to point others to Him.
*Devotion by Tripp Atkinson as it appears in Impact Student Leadership Devotional. To purchase, click here.
Tripp Atkinson is a pastor, speaker, writer, and coach that uses his giftedness and unique life experiences to challenge a generation of student to discover and live God’s best for their lives. He currently serves as the Student Pastor at Sugar Hill Church in the metro Atlanta area. He has previously served as the Student Minister at First Baptist Church Columbia SC for over ten years, and before that was the Youth Minister at Pawleys Island Community Church in Pawleys Island, SC. Tripp has been in Youth Ministry for over 20 years and love encouraging and equipping other leaders in Youth Ministry. For more information about Tripp Atkinson or to connect, be sure to check out his website at http://trippatkinson.com/.
To inquire about getting Tripp to speak at your church, school conference or event, please contact Tripp at http://trippatkinson.com/have-tripp-come-speak/