(The following is the August 5 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Corinthians 5 and pay close attention to verses 18-21.)

It’s common for people to struggle with understanding their purpose at different stages of life. As teenagers consider their desired profession, fulfilling a sense of purpose may be central. Personal growth and experiences can later fine-tune that sense of purpose, altering one’s path. Living in a relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting his Word should significantly define our purpose.

The Bible doesn’t explicitly answer questions such as “Which school should I attend?” or “Which company should I work for when I graduate?” However, it provides guidance, principles, and answers to big-picture questions that help us answer more specific questions.

Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians of their high calling as believers: “Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us” (vv. 18-20).

Ambassadors to other countries represent the interests of the sending nation and its leaders. Few privileges are more extraordinary for a citizen than to serve in such a position. As Christians, we have a similar opportunity. Christ has appointed his children to serve as his ambassadors wherever we are. It doesn’t matter if we are in a high-profile position or a role society considers lowly and mundane. In whatever position Christ has placed us, we represent our sovereign Lord and the kingdom of God over which he reigns.

What a privilege. What an opportunity. Represent him well.  

Next Step:
What opportunities have you had to be an ambassador for Christ? What present or future possibilities are you aware of, and how will you respond?