Ambassador's Creed
AN EFFECTIVE AMBASSADOR HAS 3 ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
He must have some basic knowledge. Minimally, he must know the character, mind, and purposes of his king.
Knowledge must be deployed in a skillful way. There’s an element of wisdom, a tactical and artful diplomacy that makes his message persuasive.
Because an ambassador brings himself along in everything he does, his personal maturity and individual virtue can either make or break the message.
These three areas—knowledge, wisdom, and character—are the three areas all Ambassadors for Christ need to continue to grow in. Sometimes the task can be confusing and even overwhelming, but breaking the job down into these three areas makes it simpler. You can lay a foundation you can build on for the rest of your life. Plan to grow in knowledge, tactical wisdom, and character to be a high-impact ambassador for Jesus Christ. If you are learning and growing in these three ways, you’ll be able to say with conviction:
"I am an Ambassador for Jesus Christ. I can explain precisely what that means, and I can clearly defend my conviction in the truth of Christianity in an attractive manner that commends the message."
It’s not that hard to do, either, when you cultivate a sensible faith by increasing your knowledge, sharpening your tactical wisdom, and building your character.
WATCH AS GREG EXPLAINS ON VIDEO:
Knowledge Wisdom Character
AMBASSADOR’S CREED:
READY
An Ambassador is alert for chances to represent Christ and will not back away from a challenge or an opportunity.
TACTICAL
An Ambassador adapts to each unique person and situation, maneuvering with wisdom to challenge bad thinking, presenting the truth in an understandable and compelling way.
HONEST
An Ambassador is careful with the facts and will not misrepresent another’s view, overstate his own case, or understate the demands of the Gospel.
DEPENDENT
An Ambassador knows that effectiveness requires joining his best efforts with God’s power.
REASONABLE
An Ambassador has informed convictions (not just feelings), gives reasons, asks questions, seeks answers, and will not be stumped by the same challenge twice.
CLEAR
An Ambassador is careful with language and will not rely on Christian lingo, nor gain unfair advantage by resorting to empty rhetoric.
HUMBLE
An Ambassador is provisional in his claims, knowing that his understanding of truth is fallible. He will not press a point beyond what the evidence allows.
PATIENT
An Ambassador won’t quarrel, but will listen in order to understand, then with gentleness seek to respectfully engage those who disagree.
FAIR
An Ambassador is sympathetic and understanding towards others and will acknowledge the merits of contrary views.
ATTRACTIVE
An Ambassador will act with grace, kindness, and good manners. He will not dishonor Christ in his conduct.