Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (day four)
Verse 21 is the Heart of the Gospel! “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
It was certainly not an even exchange…His righteousness for our unrighteousness. We were the great beneficiaries. Our lives were purchased by God. As a result, we have a new responsibility to be an ambassador for Christ. It is not an option…we don’t get to choose. We have been bought with a price…His blood and His righteousness!
So what is the result or aftereffect of this exchange for us? (Besides forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.) Self-centeredness is gone, unforgiveness is gone, pridefulness is gone…anger, a judgmental spirit, lack of love, and more. Our lives should begin to look like Christ’s–after all, we are bought. Our unrighteousness gives way to His righteousness! Can the world recognize that your life is no longer yours?
Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, we have received this precious gift of righteousness from the God of all mercy and grace. To God be the glory!
Being an ambassador for Christ is a position of dignity! Go for it by using our spiritual gifts to serve the Lord! We, believers, should be like Jesus, act and behave like Jesus.
Peace will come when we act on His word. Acting and behaving like Jesus can help influence the world to follow Jesus Christ. We, believers, are embassadors for Christ! We must remember our role and responsibility in our relationship with one another, with others and our surroundings, and in our relationship to God! Character matters! Behaviors matter! Actions matter!!
When someone who claimed a Christian but acts in contrast with Jesus’ teachings, what would be your first reaction? To influence others to follow a philosophy or a religious belief, we must be the voice and the action for that philosophy and belief!! We must lead by Christ’s teachings and examples. Period!! I will try! How is about you? Show me!!!