Ice skating. Downhill skiing. Hockey. The Olympic Games are inspirational. Whether the competitors earn a medal or not, these men and women are the finest athletes in their country. They spend years practicing their sport and hours honing their skills before they ever face an audience.
Extreme pressure
The athletes’ coaches are there throughout the process. They even give last minute advice and encouragement before the competition begins. I can only imagine the intense pressure the competitors must feel – each striving to do their best.
Each performance is heavily weighted. It’s more far-reaching than a personal win or loss for the individual athlete: he or she is representing an entire country.
I can relate
Even though I’m not a professional athlete, I can’t miss the implication. As a believer, I’m an ambassador for Christ. I represent Him to those within my sphere of influence:
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
A privilege & responsibility
That’s quite a responsibility. Sometimes I forget the importance of my job. I ignore the instructions of my Heavenly Coach – to share the good news of the Savior. Instead, I often choose to focus on other things that seem more pressing to me.
The stakes are high: it’s not about me, I’m representing Jesus. Just like athletes train for their sports, there are several things I can do to train for the job God has for me.
The training program:
Listen to the Coach – read God’s Word:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
Talk to the Coach – pray every day:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…Ephesians 6:18a
Obey the Coach – follow His instructions
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
The outcome
Unlike the athletes competing in the Olympic Games, I am not responsible for the outcome of my ‘event.’ When I’m obedient to follow God’s instructions and share His truth with others, the Holy Spirit does the supernatural work of convicting hearts.
I have the wonderful opportunity to be Christ’s representative – pointing others to heaven. If He’s your Savior, you have the awesome privilege of being part of His team of ambassadors, too.
Your turn
Do you view your job of sharing the gospel as a burden or a privilege? Are you willing to get started on a spiritual training program today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the privilege to be Your ambassador. Help me view it as the opportunity and responsibility it is. Prepare hearts to accept Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
