Duty, Honor, Privilege

"but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts." -1 Thessalonians 2:4

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." -2 Corinthians 5:20

These two Scriptures have been deep in my heart, mind, and soul this week.  They are simple, concise, and convicting.  Many blessings and lessons from God have entered my life this week, as well as new friends and family in Christ!  Amid the joy, my heart has been pierced by God through various brothers and sisters to more deeply acknowledge an incredible truth:  when one becomes a Christian, his or her life's purpose becomes none other than to share Jesus.  The only reason God allows me another day on this earth is to use me for His glory and His purpose.

We must "present [ourselves] to God as those alive from the dead, and [our] members as instruments of righteousness to God," Romans 6:13b.  

We must go about doing good, Acts 10:38, Galatians 6:10.

We must boldly, yet humbly, let our lives proclaim, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me," Galatians 2:20.

We must realize the only way to find ourselves is to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Jesus, Matthew 16:24.

We must allow God to spread the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of His Son through us, 2 Corinthians 2:14-15!

We must acknowledge that even when we fulfill His commands, we are still unworthy, but we have accomplished our duty for our Master, Luke 17:10.

Do we realize that God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)?  We are justified, sanctified, freed by His blood shed in death, that we come in contact with through baptism (Romans 6:3-7; 5:9)!  We turn from slaves of sin to slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18)!  Servants of the Most High God!  Ambassadors, representatives, of Jesus Christ.

There is no greater duty, honor, and privilege in this life for any human soul!