Let me tell you a little story. A Teacher was going to explain that God did
not exist. The Teacher asked a little
boy, “Tommy, look outside and tell me do you see the trees outside?” Tommy replied: “Yes.”
The Teacher asked, “Tommy do you see the grass?” Tommy said, “Yes.” ”The Teacher then asked Tommy, “Do you see
the sky?“ Tommy again said, “Yes.” The Teacher then asked, “Did you see
God?” Tommy a little surprised said,
“No.” The Teacher said with a smug voice
said, “That’s my point. We can’t see
God, because he isn’t there. He doesn’t exist.”
Not really a bright argument, but she thought, children would never know
the difference. Just then a little girl
spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed. The little girl asked Tommy, “Tommy, did you
see the trees outside?” Tommy again
said, “Yes.” The little girl asked, “Did
you see the grass?” Tommy replied,
“Yes.” The little girl asked, “Did you
see the sky?” Tommy, getting a little
tired of the questions said, “Yessssssss.”
The little girl then asked, “Tommy, do you see the teacher?” Tommy a little surprised answered,
“Yes.” The little girl asked, “Do you
see her brain?” Tommy said, “No.” The little girl then said, “Then according to
what we were taught today in school, she must not have one.” The little girl is what is called a
Champion. In Webster’s Dictionary the
definition of champion is, “one who fights for another or for a cause; a
defender.” We read in Ephesians, the
sixth chapter, about the armor of God and being able to stand our ground.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day
of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. (Ephesians 6:13; NIV)
The knights of the Middle Ages were the champions for the
king. They were the defenders of the
kingdom. They would be the ones to go
into battle on behalf of the king. Many
times two kingdoms would compete against each other by pitting the two
champions of the kings against each other.
The Crusades were fought on the idea of freeing Jerusalem for
Christianity. Today the soldiers who
defend our freedoms are champions. Those
men and women who served during World War II, to fight back the Nazis and Japan
were champions not just for America, but for the world. The men and woman of Vietnam, who went to
battle in the jungles to fight communism were champions. The men and women who are fighting against
terrorist and the liberation of places like Afghanistan and Iraq are
champions. It is because of their
service and sacrifice that people all around the world have been and are still
being able to learn about the love of Christ and the cost of freedom. We are call to be like the knights and
soldiers by putting on our spiritual armor and to go to battle. It is not a literal battle. We do not put on a actual breastplate or
carry a sword. We do not need stock
piles of weapons. It is the Word of God
that we should wear and keep in our hearts.
It is a battle for the hearts and minds of every soul. Satan is fighting against us to steal as many
souls for himself as he can, and if he can take a few Christians with him as
well, then all the better. We must be
ready to die for this cause. We should
be willing to lay down our life for Christ, as Christ laid down his for
us. God calls us not to be afraid.
Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous do not be
terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with your wherever
you go. (Joshua 1:9; NIV)
Cassie Bernall is know as the Columbine student who died
confessing her faith. She was asked if
she believed in God. Instead of say no
and saving her life, she said yes and was killed. She was a Champion for God. What would you do if your were faced with the
question to deny God and live. I mean to
take nothing away for those brave martyrs who have fallen for Christ. Their courage is something that we should
inspire to. However, a harder question
might be, is do you now Champion Christ at home, at work and in your life, or
are you political correct. I think
sometimes it is easier to stand tall when it is life and death, but it can be a
lot harder to not let yourself fall into the trap of political
correctness. We can’t be afraid if
offend someone. We must fight the big
issues. As Christian we must stand up
for the unborn. Abortion is wrong and we
must be willing to say so. We must stand
up for marriage. Marriage is between a
man and a woman. We must not lay down
and let what God has made to be torn down.
We must make our voices heard and not let over zealous judges say “Under
God” is a prayer, so children can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance in school. As Christians we must stand for the weak, the
sick, the ones without a voice. We
cannot be afraid. Franklin D. Roosevelt
said, “We have nothing to fear, but fear
it-self.“ As Christians we don’t even
have fear to fear, because through Christ all things are possible and He will
see you through anything. We may never
have to choose to lay down our life for Christ, but everyday we have the
opportunity to be Christ’s Champions, by professing Jesus to those around
us. We can’t say that we are not allowed
to talk about religion at work. If
someone is asking about Christ or if someone is denouncing Him, we must defend
Christ and tell others of His love. We
must tell the family and friends we love that don’t know Jesus about Him. We can’t be afraid that we might loose the
friendship, because what kind of friend are you really if you are not telling
them the Good News of Jesus.
We are call to be Christ’s Ambassadors.
We are therefore Christ’s Ambassadors, as though God were
making his appeal through us. We implore
you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to
God. ( Corinthians 5:20; NIV)
To be an Ambassador for Christ is to represent Christ by
living a true Christian life. Christ
works through us to make known his mercy and love to the world.
Picture this scene in your mind. A well-known Christian musician, say Michael
W. Smith or Steven Curtis Champion, is giving a free concert. Thousands of people have lined up outside,
waiting to get into the concert hall.
The line snakes back and forth in front of the doors, and those is line
begin to sing praise songs together while they wait. Suddenly, the doors open. Many of the people who were just singing
together turn to push and shove and force their way ahead of the others. The two actions just don’t mix in the
Christian life. Singing songs of praise
one moment and then pushing others out of the way in order to be first gives a
mixed message. Many people say they believe
in God; they say they’re Christians, but their actions speak volumes. Keep that in mind in whatever you’re doing;
more than anything you could ever say in words, your actions tell others what
you truly believe.
Jesus told us what we are to do to show people what a
Christian is. He gave us many examples.
We must Forgive: Did
Jesus not say, if you are slapped on one cheek, to turn the other cheek.
We must Love: Did
Jesus not say, to love our enemies.
We must pay our taxes: Did Jesus not say Give to Caesar what
is Caesar and to God what is God.
We must serve others:
Did Jesus not say, he came to serve and not to be served.
We must fast in praise:
Did Jesus not say, that we should fast not in sadness, but with joy.
We must not judge:
Did Jesus not say, do not judge unless you are to be judge.
We must not swear:
Did Jesus not say, do not swear by the land or by God.
We must tell the world:
Did Jesus not say, to go and make disciples.
We must obey Him: Did
Jesus not say, if you love me, you will obey me.
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my
teaching, My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home
with him. He who does no love me will
not obey my teaching. (John 14:23-24;
NIV)
If we love Christ and want to be his Ambassador we will live
our life in a way that is an example to others.
Those who love the Lord want to be like the Lord and obey His
commands. Those who don’t love the Lord
will find ways to disobey His commands.
Danny Warfold is a former quarterback for the University of
Florida. During his senior year in
college he won the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship. At the beginning of his senior year he was
selected to be one of Playboy Magazine’s College Football All-American’s. This is a major award in college
football. There was to be an article and
an award. Danny though is a
Christian. He was the president of his
FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He knew that if he were to allow himself to be in that magazine, that
that would send a mix message. What kind
of example would that set for not only young kids, but also adults. If his is an Ambassador of Christ, then he
must hold himself to a higher standard.
I am happy to say he turned down the award.
When I was in high school I was known for two things. First I was the Republican and second I was
the Christian. I was one never afraid to
give my opinion on any subject. I was
also on the football team. When I was a
Sophomore in high school I was reading my Bible before a game. One of my teammates saw me and said, “Chuck
that God stuff is a joke. It’s going to
be the death of you.” I replied to him
saying, “No Johnny, it’s what is going to save me.” Well I didn’t start preaching at him
everyday. What I did do was try to live
my life in a way that would be pleasing to Christ. Did I make mistakes? I sure did.
A young high school student, I made a lot of mistakes, but I still tried
to do my best. When my senior year came
and we had just lost our last game things were very emotional. If you have ever played high school sports,
especially football you know what I mean.
Johnny and I were walking together, and just before we walked off the
field, he grab my hand and said, “Chuck pay for us.” At that moment he wanted to go to God and
pray for our futures. I don’t know what
happened to Johnny after graduation. I
don’t know if he every found Christ, but I hope that maybe I helped open the
door. Many time we ask if we have ever
brought anyone to Christ. Maybe we have,
but we were the first person to put them on the road, or maybe the second or
third they meet down the road. We never
know when the smallest of actions are going to help crack that door or maybe
just that window to Jesus.
When my wife used to be a waitress, she would tell me how
Sunday was the worst day. The reason for
this was due to all the churchgoers who came out and the little to no tips they
would give. Many times instead of them giving
a tip they would give a “track.” I’m
sure you know what “tracks” are. They
are those little pamphlets about Jesus and God.
How many time do you think that that “track” would bring someone to
Jesus? These people are making less than
$3.00 an hour and they have families to feed.
How much more could we show Christ’s love by giving an extra dollar or two? Please tip your waitress.
Being an Ambassador for Christ is all about living a
Christ-like life. It is about being an
example for others to see. We can’t be
perfect and people will want to point out when you fail. If they notice when you do something wrong,
then maybe they notice that you do a lot right.
If they never notice you doing anything wrong, then maybe your not doing
enough right. We are always on call and
it is not easy, but the reward is great.
What are some of the different jobs in which someone works
for God? There are ministers,
missionaries, Christian teachers, Christian singers, Christian counselors, and
many more. Can someone who is a lawyer,
doctor, garbage man or a retail manager be working for God? Christ calls us to serve Him and others.
C. William Pollard the CEO of ServiceMaster is a devote
Christian. “In the lobby of the
ServiceMaster’s Headquarters in Illinois, their is a marble statue of Christ
washing the feet of a disciple. Beyond
the statue is a wall that stands 18 feet tall and stretches 90 feet
across. Engraved in the wall are these
four statements that constitute the company’s objectives: To Honor God in all we do, To Help people
develop, To pursue excellence, To grow profitably. The leaders at ServiceMaster believe that God
has given each one of the employees dignity, worth, potential, and freedom to
choose. The goal is to build a firm that
begins with God and accepts and develops the different people He created.” (God is my CEO) ServiceMaster is a for profit company, but
they know that everything we do, we do for God.
If we honor God and work for others the best that we can, then we are
working for God.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working
for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance
from the Lord as a reward. It is the
Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians
3:23-24; NIV)
I work in jewelry retail.
I started as a part-time salesperson and then became a store manager,
then a District Manager at age 28. I am
pretty good at what I do. Most people
know very little about jewelry. I could
be deceitful when I sell jewelry to other.
I could mislead them in what they were buying. I could do that, but that would be
wrong. When managing my stores, I could
yell, scream, and use course language and maybe I would get better
results. I could do that, but that would
be wrong. Everyday I could choose to do
things the wrong way or I can choose to do things as if I were doing it for
God. I can be honest and caring with my
customers. I can be respectful with my
employees. Anyone, no matter what they do
can do in a way that is serving God.
I would like to give you four things I learned from a book
called FISH. You can use these four
things in your job and in your life and you would be serving God. Play with your employees and the people
around you. Make the environment around
you enjoyable and fun. Parents make time
to play with your kids. Managers have
fun at work. Remember to laugh at
your-self. Second, Be Present with
everyone you meet. Give your full
attention to your customers and employees.
Give your full attention to your fellow brothers and sisters in
Christ. Parent when your children are
saying, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy.” Take time
to listen to them. My mother would also
put me first. If she was talking to
someone else and I wanted to tell her something she would stop the other person
and listen to me. I was the most
important person in her life. Our
children should be the most important people in our lives. Third we need to find a way everyday to Make
Someone’s Day. We need to take the time
at work and home to make someone feel special.
Maybe it is just telling them they did a good job. Maybe be it is being a friend. Maybe it is helping someone through a tough
time. We need to treat everyone as
someone special, because God said they are.
Lastly we need to Choose Our Attitude, a Christ-like attitude. We need to be positive, loving, caring, and
having a servant heart.
Christ calls us to serve Him and he helps us to do this with
the Talents He gives us. Famous radio
talk show host Rush Limbaugh has a saying, “With Talent on Loan from God.” Some people have tried to say he thinks he is
God, but that is just not true. This is
what he says about that, “I believe I am what I am because of the grace of God
and that my time on earth, as is everyone’s is temporary. We are all on loan from God, you see.” (The Way Things Ought To Be) I think that is a wonderful statement. Paul agrees with the statement also.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same
Spirit. There are different kinds of
service, but the same Lord. There are
different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6; NIV)
We must use are talents to serve God. We must use these talents at home, at work
and at Church. There are many ministries
in the Church and each of us must find those ministries that will best use the
talents God has given us. Some of us
came be ministers, and others Elders or Deacons. Some of us can cook for others when they are
sick, while others can give special music on Sunday morning. Some of us can work with children and others
can work with the elderly. Some of us
can be a person for someone to cry on, and others can be a person to have fun
with. It doesn’t matter what it is, just
as long as you try. How many times have
you heard someone say they didn’t want to do something, but then once they started
doing it they loved it? We must start
doing something and let God work in us.
Are you ready to be a Champion, an Ambassador, and a
Servant? Are you ready to answer the
call?
