If you follow Jesus, you already have a job title: ambassador. Paul says it plainly in 2 Corinthians 5:20: "We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."
God reconciled us to Himself through Jesus. Then He handed us the message and sent us out with it. But knowing the right words doesn't make an ambassador effective. In 2 Corinthians 5:11–21, Paul shows us four marks of an ambassador God uses.
They know the Lord personally
You can't represent a King you've never met. Paul begins with "knowing the fear of the Lord" (v. 11). That's not terror. It's reverence that comes from a real relationship.
It starts with being born again. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (v. 17). The old life is gone, and your direction has changed. Before you can point anyone to Jesus, you have to be walking with Him yourself.
They keep the right heart
Paul wasn't interested in looking impressive. He cared about what was in the heart (v. 12). What drove him? "The love of Christ controls us" (v. 14). Jesus died for all, so we no longer live for ourselves.
That calls for a regular heart check:
Check your motives. Am I doing this for Jesus or for applause?
Check your devotion. Is Christ's love still what moves me?
Check your consistency. Does my life back up my words?
They see people spiritually
"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh" (v. 16). It's easy to see people by their job, their politics, or how they treat us. Ambassadors look deeper. Every person you meet is someone Jesus loves.
Seeing people that way means you:
Be attentive. Notice the needs around you.
Be intentional. Look for chances to care and to speak.
Be relational. Earn trust by showing up.
They build a persuasive story
You don't need a seminary degree to share the gospel. You need your story, and God is already writing it.
Your story is one of reconciliation (vv. 17–18). God brought you back to Himself.
Your story continues with transformation (v. 17). He is still making you new.
Your story is an invitation (vv. 18–20). It ends with a plea: "Be reconciled to God."
The heart of that story is verse 21. Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so we could become the righteousness of God in Him.
We are ordinary people carrying an extraordinary message. And God has placed you right where you are to know Him and help people follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere.
Reflection Questions
When did you first come to know the Lord personally? How has your direction changed since?
Which heart check is hardest for you right now: motives, devotion, or consistency?
Who is one person in your daily routine you've been seeing only "according to the flesh"?
What is one intentional step you can take this week to build a relationship with that person?
How would you tell your story of reconciliation and transformation in two minutes?
Who might God be inviting you to share that story with this week?
