We are Called to Represent Jesus Well

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJV

In an interesting story titled “This Runner Conquered the Leadville 100 ... in Jeans” published earlier this week, the writer said “Truett Hanes continues to push the limits of human endurance … while wearing blue jeans. The 28-year-old runner from Plain City, Utah, has been on a yearlong quest to run a sub-2:30 marathon wearing full-length jeans. Along the way, he’s run several sub-3 hour marathons in jeans—including running this year’s Boston Marathon in 2:38:29 on April 12—and also won the net-downhill Drop 13 Half Marathon in 1:06:03 on June 14 in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. He also set a new Guinness World record by doing 10,001 pull-ups in 24 hours on February 2—also while wearing jeans.” If that’s not impressive and unique enough, the writer went on to report “ On Saturday, he took things much farther in his denim gear, running the Leadville 100 wearing jeans in under 24 hours. He wore a pair of Salomon Genesis trail running shoes, a pair of jeans, and a white T-shirt with cut-off sleeves most of the race.” Now if you’re wondering why in the world someone would make a difficult race even harder on themselves by wearing clothing not particularly suited for the challenge, the writer explained, “Full disclosure, Truett Hanes has partnerships with The Perfect Jean, a New York City apparel company, and Salty Britches, a South Carolina brand of anti-chafing ointments…” And just in case you’re wondering, Truett said he had no issues with chafing, but admitted his feet were pretty beat up after all that running. Crazy right?

After reading this, I had to applaud Truett for his creativity and willingness to rep the jean brand despite the discomfort that came along with it. In doing so, he showed himself to be a savvy ambassador that used his talent and skills to intentionally bring attention to the brand in a way that only he could do.

This is the same type of intentionality and ingenuity that every ambassador of Christ should have—using their time, talents, and platforms to shine the light on Christ. Why? Because we are called to represent Him in such a way that the lost are inspired to follow Him. Which is the very reason Paul said we are to do it “as though God were pleading through us,” imploring on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled back to Him. Pleading and imploring are strong words! That’s because, unlike influencing someone to make the choice to buy a certain brand of jeans or anti chafing cream that will only provide short-term benefits, the choice to follow Jesus Christ has eternal consequences. Hence the reason we must earnestly appeal and beg desperately for the lost to accept Jesus before it’s too late.

“‘He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18

You see, it’s only when you and I truly stop to consider the fate that awaits all those who die in their sin that we will be moved to pray for doors to be opened to share the Good News and see every interaction with someone else as an opportunity to urgently plead with them to seek God before it’s too late.

“‘And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.‘“ Isaiah 66:24

So, knowing that all those who reject (and not choosing to follow is rejection) Jesus will be sentenced to eternity in hell, where the fire is never quenched and the worm never dies, what steps can you take to better and more boldly represent Jesus Christ to the world my friend?  Time is short and we must use every resource the Lord has given us to plead with the lost to “Be reconciled to God!”

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have a lot of work to do. As co-laborers WITH Christ and ambassadors FOR Christ, stir our hearts to break for what breaks Yours that we would be compelled to not only share the Good News at every opportunity but to make our own opportunities using the time, talents, and treasures You have blessed us with. Help us to do our part in making Heaven full. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!