Faith,  Grace,  Hope,  Joy,  Love

Our Witness – 2 Corinthians 5:20a

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.

Do our lives draw others to Jesus Christ and to the eternal life He offers?  Do those around us feel the love and acceptance of Christ flowing from our gentle spirits?  Do they see our deep devotion to the Lord and our profound commitment to serving Him, and do they see that even during times of severe trial, we stand in absolute faith that we are but passing through this corrupt and foreign land on our way to an eternity with Jesus?  Do our faces shine like those of angels[1] as the glory of God radiates from the deep joy within our souls?[2] 

Such should be the spiritual impact of those committed to being ambassadors for Christ.  For we, whom Jesus has made righteous through His grace, are filled to overflowing with His loving-kindness, which pours into our depths from His refreshing river of living water.[3]  When we live in the glory of God’s presence, His light beams forth from us since the darkness has no place within us.[4]  Our faces, having lost their hardness, have joyful smiles and our eyes sparkle as if we had just met our first love.[5]

It does us no good to speak about the blessings of faith in God, the joy of the Lord, and salvation through Jesus Christ if we live in fear, depression, turmoil, or anger.  Our message of salvation and revival is lost unless the listener can see that the gentleness and steadfastness of Christ reigns in our own hearts.  Our demeanor tells the story others will read and believe.  Therefore, if we want to serve the cause of Christ, no hint of shame, ugliness, or fear should cloud our countenance.[6]  Rather we should, having drawn close to Jesus, emit an aura of serenity and joy.

What story does your life tell?  Let it be magnificent, more beautiful than the greatest literary masterpiece ever created.  By the grace of God, may it be so.  Let your consecrated life and tender heart tell of the beautiful, soul-sustaining peace, which comes to those whose minds are fixed on our Lord.[7] 

Tell the story of Jesus through your unwavering faith, abiding hope, and unconditional love.  Tell it with power and confidence, demonstrating that you believe it by your steadfast commitment to Jesus, and it will enthrall your listeners and draw them to the Lord.[8]

What will men see when they look in your face
Will they see joy, patience, and grace
Will they see Jesus in all of His glory
Will your life tell a magnificent story

What will they feel when they hear you speak
Will your kind words make them eager to seek
After the One Who brings calm amidst strife
After the One who offers new life

What will they sense when you walk in the room
Do you carry the fragrance of lilacs in bloom
Will your composure dispel anger and tension
Will they see peace beyond comprehension

What will men see when they look in your face
Will they see joy, patience, and grace
Let them see Jesus in all of His glory
Let your life tell a magnificent story


[1] Acts 6:15

[2] Isaiah 60:5

[3] Psalm 36:9  

[4] 1 John 1:7

[5] Ecclesiastes 8:1

[6] Psalm 34:5

[7] Isaiah 26:3

[8] Isaiah 60:1