Monday, August 22, 2011

Reconciliation . . . everyone's ministry!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Therefore . . . since we are now NEW creations, we are to reperesent Christ as ministers of reconciliation! Just as Christ came to reconcile us to God, we are to do the same . . . seek to bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, so they too may be one with God.

I recognize that everyone is not gifted in evangelism, teaching, preaching, shepherding, and the like. These are specific gifts of the Spirit given to folks to serve the Body along with other spiritual gifts. Yes, we need the hands, feet, legs, etc to work as such for the Body to function well.(1 Corinthians 12:1-31) However, each of must live a life that gives witness to our salvation. People need to see Christ in us in order to see that our faith in Him is genuine.

We cannot be a light if we remain hidden and quiet. We cannot be salt if we are not shaken up a bit. We need to be visible, transparent, and active within our circles of influence! We may not be everyone's friend, yet we need to offer Christ's friendship (reconciliation) to all.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16)

We are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Let's do our job and not mis-represent our Savior and Lord!

No comments:

unity throughout . . . imagine the impact

 Let's face it, God wants us to be one . Jesus was clear in His High-Priest prayer before going to His death:  “I do not pray for these ...