March/April 2000
Common Ground
by Joseph Tkach
I remember seeing a movie about a secret agent for the U.S. government. A scene in the movie shows a diplomatic reception at an embassy. Dozens of ambassadors are in attendance, promoting the interests of their respective countries. A number of spies are also at the reception--working undercover.
The Bible refers to Christians as "ambassadors for Christ." Christians are to be out there among the people--visible!--doing their best to advance the kingdom of God. In many ways, it's a Christian's job description.
But the unfortunate truth is that many Christians act more like "undercover agents" than ambassadors.
Like the secret agents at the diplomatic reception, too many Christians hide the fact that they're Christians. They think that living a clean, honest, moral life is all they have to do.
Not so!
If you're a Christian, this message is for you.
Realize that it's not good enough simply to be a good example.
As an ambassador, you must converse with others, telling them about your citizenship (Philippians 3:20).
We're called to know how to answer others who wonder why we live and believe as we do.
Of course, we must not be aggressive or obnoxious about it. Like a good ambassador, we must be alert to the right moment for effective witness.
But we must share what God has given us! Christians need to come out of the
closet.