3/14/06
Encouragement for Today
“Titles”
Wendy Pope, Author, Director of Development, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/speaker_wendy.htm
Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:20, "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." (NIV)
Devotion:
CEO. CFO. RN. DR. REV. VP. Director of Human Resources. Communications Specialist. Head of Technology. IT Operator President. Office Manager. Administrative Assistant to the President Pro Tem. Head Coach. Athletic Director. CPA. Administrator of Education and Discipleship.
Those titles are a mouthful. I am sure you could add many to the list. I am not big on titles. I never have been. Sounds silly doesn't it? In fact, when I became the "Director of Development" for Proverbs 31 Ministries, the "Executive Director" told me when I signed my name I needed to write my title under it. I’d really prefer to be anonymous, even when writing devotions. The truth be told, I just don’t like having a title. "Why can't we all be anonymous? We are all working for the same 'team', right?" I asked. The response I received to the question really made me rethink my whole philosophy: "with a title comes, credibility; it carries weight and authority."
I really had to pray about this one. I struggled with the "title issue" and asked God to help me accept this with grace. As I had my quiet time one morning the Lord reminded me through His Word that I already have a title, the ultimate title: "Ambassador." Above all else and all other titles, I am Christ's Ambassador. Wow, I don't know how that settles with you, but for me it was and still is very overwhelming. I had to ask, "What exactly is an Ambassador?"
Webster defines “ambassador” as a representative of the highest rank. The second part of today's Scripture tells us an Ambassador for Christ has the privilege of being used by God to make His appeal to the world. Isn't that awesome? When we accepted the free gift of salvation by faith through Christ Jesus, we became His Ambassador to the world.
What I love about being Christ's Ambassador is that my past job performance does not effect my opportunity to serve. My level of education is not a factor, although it is imperative that I educate myself with knowledge of His Word. Learning His Word is key to God effectively making His appeal through us. I love that as Christ's Ambassador I am not discriminated against because of my age, race, denomination, or gender.
Having the title of Christ's Ambassador lends His credibility, and carries with it weight and authority. We have the credibility to speak with authority of God's greatness and His power. We also have with us the love and joy of serving Him while we carry His yoke. It is through us that God makes His appeal to this lost and dying world.
I am still getting used to my “Director of Development” title but I understand that the credibility and authority it lends helps Christ reach many through Proverbs 31 Ministries. Is God able to make any appeals through you?
My Prayer for Today:
Father, today I ask You to help me live a life worthy of my calling. It is impossible for me to be your Ambassador without your Holy Spirit directing my every step. Lead on, oh King Eternal. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Make three columns on a piece of paper. In the first column list all the titles you have. In the second column write yes or no indicating whether God is using you as His Ambassador in this role. In the third column beside the "no’s" write what you can change so that God can use you.
Reflection Points:
How am I using my Ambassador title?
What in my life is keeping God from being able to make His appeal through me?
Am really willing to be used by God?
What I am willing to give up to be used by God?
Power Verses:
Ephesians 4:1, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worth of the calling you have received." (NIV)
Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV)
Philippians 1:27, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (NIV)
Additional Resources:
The Ultimate Makeover, by Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_ultimateMakeover.htm
Out of the Mouth of Babes, by Wendy Pope
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_mouthBabes.htm
Living Life on Purpose, by Lysa TerKeurst
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_livingLife.htm