We live today in a time of great internationalism, when
the role of the international diplomat has become very important. Even in the
day of Paul, ambassadors played an important role. Some of the functions of
various kinds of diplomats have changed through the centuries with changing
situations, but the responsibilities of ambassadors have largely remained
constant.
Taking this office of ambassador as an example, it may be
helpful for us to consider, for a few moments, how this relates to being an
ambassador for Christ.
Responsibilities of an
Ambassador
Ambassadors are the official representatives of their
sending country. Their major task is to represent the interests of their
sending government. What the ambassador may or may not feel or believe personally
on any specific matter is not as important as what the official position
of their government is. In fact, an ambassador normally does not have the
freedom to speak his or her own mind on important matters. They receive the
position from their home country, and that is what they must speak.
I am sure that this is sometimes very difficult. An
ambassador, living in a foreign country, most certainly often sees matters
differently than his home government. His view is affected by what he sees and
experiences in his day-to-day life in the foreign country.