“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Acts 5:29

This verse brought me on a rabbit trail of thought! I hope I can explain this as it went through my mind.

First, I thought of all the ways discernment is needed to know when an issue crosses the line and a firm stand needs to be taken for God and not for men. So, I looked in my NT Commentary and
Warren Wiersbe says this:

“The apostles did not change their convictions. They obeyed God and trusted Him to take care of the consequences. They could not serve two masters, and they had already declared whose side they were on. Had they been diplomats instead of ambassadors they could have pleased everybody and escaped a beating.  But they stood firmly for the Lord, and He honored their courage and faith.”

Secondly, Mr. Wiersbe’s words made me think about what is an Ambassador. I went to Webster’s’ Dictionary online and found this definition of Ambassador:

1)  an official envoy; especially: a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment
2) a: an authorized representative or messenger b : an unofficial representative <traveling abroad as ambassadors of goodwill

Thirdly, I began to think about the role of an Ambassador. I found interesting “job descriptions” and duties of an Ambassador on a secular webpage. However, I have changed them a bit to share them in light of our roles as Ambassador’s of Jesus Christ.

1. We are to portray our God in a good light.
2. We are to maintain a good image of Christ whom we represent at all times.
3.  We will need to be able to respond and defend the actions of Jesus Christ.
4. We are to educate others through informal, everyday conversations and formal outreach efforts.
5. Ambassadors are the highest ranking officials sent by Jesus Christ.
6.  Protect and preserve the interests of Christ.
7. Carry out the tasks of the mission.
8. Welcome visitors and share the Gospel.

By understanding our role as Ambassadors we can better discern when a matter needs to be obeyed for the sake of the One we represent rather then men.

Blessings,
Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 26 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has previously served as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.