Inviting Matters: Embracing Our Role as Ambassadors for Christ
How often do you consider inviting someone to church or sharing your faith? If you're like most of us, the idea can be intimidating. You might worry about rejection or feel unsure about how to start the conversation. But what if I told you that inviting others to experience Jesus is one of the most important acts of hospitality you can offer?
The Mandate to Invite
You might wonder, "Why should I care about inviting others to church or sharing my faith?" The answer lies in our identity as Christians. According to 2 Corinthians 5:20, we are "ambassadors for Christ." This means we represent God's kingdom here on earth, and we have a mandate to invite others to be reconciled to God.
Think about it: God has entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. This isn't just a task for pastors or church leaders; it's a calling for every believer. When you invite someone to church or share your faith, you're participating in God's mission to form a family from all people.
Overcoming the Fear of Rejection
One of the biggest obstacles to inviting others is the fear of rejection. You might worry that your friends, family, or neighbours will think you're pushy or weird. But consider this: even the Apostle Paul faced rejection and persecution. What sustained him was the knowledge that he was fulfilling God's mandate.
Remember the story of Penn from Penn and Teller? He's an avowed atheist, yet he said that if you truly believe in Jesus, heaven, and hell, it's wrong not to share that with others. This perspective can be a powerful motivator. When fear creeps in, pray for courage and remember that the Holy Spirit empowers you to be a bold witness for Christ.
Practical Steps to Invite Others
So, how can you start inviting others to experience Jesus? Here are some practical steps:
1. Throw Parties: Invite people into the community God has already given you. Hosting a casual get-together can be a great way to build relationships and open the door for spiritual conversations.
2. Host Dinners: Get to know your neighbours over a meal. Sharing food is a universal way to connect and can lead to deeper discussions about faith.
3. Bring People to Church: Sometimes, the simplest way to invite someone is to ask them to join you for a church service. You can say something like, "Hey, I'm going to church this Sunday. Would you like to come with me?"
The Eternal Impact
When you invite others and live as an ambassador for Jesus, all of heaven celebrates. You're not just making a temporary impact but participating in God's eternal plan. Imagine the joy of seeing someone you invited to come to know Jesus and become part of His family.
On the flip side, when you don't invite others, you miss out on the opportunity to change someone's eternity. The stakes are high, and the mandate is clear: we must invite people to meet Jesus and His people.
Conclusion
The point is simple: Jesus wants you to be an ambassador for Him. What will you do this week to embrace this calling? Will you throw a party, host a dinner, or invite someone to church? Remember, inviting matters. It's not just about filling seats; it's about changing lives for eternity.
So, let's commit to being a community of ambassadors, desperate to see as many people as possible reconciled to God. If we take this mandate seriously, nothing in our city will ever be the same again.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for the incredible privilege of being Your ambassador. Give us the courage to invite others to experience Your love and grace. Help us to see every opportunity as a chance to participate in Your mission. May our efforts bring glory to Your name and lead many to be reconciled to You. Amen.