Daily Devotion from Terry at Across All Borders:
May 21 - Ambassadors for Christ, Not Ugly Americans
2 Corinthians 5: 20 "We are, therefore, Christ's ambassadors,
as though God were making his appeal through us..."
People from around the world are stereotyped. If you hear that someone from
another country will be visiting, certain characteristics probably come to mind.
It's really unfortunate when Christians go abroad and act in a way more fitting
of some of their stereotypes than of followers of Christ.
North Americans are often stereotyped as "Ugly Americans". In Guatemala, we
are often believed to be "tacky" or "sloppy". We, in general, evoke unpleasant
images in many parts of the world. We are thought to be loud, flamboyant,
arrogant, insensitive. People often think we exploit the poor for a photo op, we
voice our every displeasure and discomfort on mission trips and we flippantly
toss money around, even in charity. And truth be known, sometimes that is
exactly what we do. These are just a few ways that our cultural behavior might
offend those we go to serve. Try as we might, even seasoned short and long term
missionaries have blown it. God knows I have and there is no doubt I will do it
again. Unintentionally, of course.
The Bible is sprinkled with many sayings about our true spiritual identity,
who we are in Christ. Being a child of God, the righteousness of God and more
than conquerors are just a few. One of challenges on any mission trip is to walk
in a manner that is worthy of that true identity we have as the Lord's
representatives.
If I attend a public meeting in my community to state my opinions, I can
say what I want. But if I attend that public meeting as a representative of my
employer, I am no longer free to say what I want if it will in any way harm my
employer. I must speak from the perspective of my company's best
interests.
The key to being an ambassador for Christ is to keep His interests our
priority. Reflect His nature, stay focused on Christ in conversation and
minister with a spirit of humility. We must consider others more important than
ourselves, remembering His interest being the souls for whom He died. Offense
usually happens when we start to get a little too comfortable with the national
Christians who are hosting us, or our translator, or our driver, or someone we
are ministering to, and we forget the One we represent. Our calling, as an
ambassador, is to walk in a manner worthy of the One who called us. His life is
one of humility, compassion, understanding, mercy, holiness, gratitude,
meekness, service, and honor. Let's reflect THAT life, not the stereotype we
have been given.
Lord, I am going on this trip because you are sending me. Thank you for
allowing me to carry your message and presence and love to the people of
Guatemala. By your grace, I will consider others more important than myself. Let
my life represent you, reflect your truth and compassion, for I go as your
ambassador.
With Gratitude,
Sondra
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