When visiting another country, you have a regular awareness of cultural distinctions. And you realize that the results of multicultural exchanges can range from humorous to dangerous. Misunderstandings of cultural practices or intent, and miscommunications of language or activity are easy to come by when you’re in an unfamiliar place. That’s why we lean on cultural experts – like ambassadors – to help us navigate the fascinating and beautiful distinctions between different people groups.

Ambassadors stand as an example and representative of one culture while living in another. They help one culture understand another’s way of life – their different language, laws, customs, recipes, fashion, music and entertainment. They not only help us see that, “you do it that way, but we do it this way,” but they also help us understand why. And in so doing they are indispensable in reconciling differences and bridging gaps between cultures.

It’s interesting, and a bit intimidating, to think about the responsibility ambassadors have – especially when we realize that as Christians, we are Christ’s ambassadors. In this picture, we are then living as representatives in a foreign place with different language, laws, customs, recipes, fashion, music and entertainment than our homeland. We are then relied on to be experts, not only in teaching others about the culture of the Kingdom, but also in reconciling and bridging the gaps between where we find ourselves and where we are from.

This idea – that we are Christ’s ambassadors – raises several questions: Can people clearly see by the way I live my life that I’m a citizen of another kingdom? Do I rightly represent a different culture and way of life? What is it about Jesus’ life and ministry that is clearly being seen, understood and transferred through me?

This week, make the awareness, responsibility and adventure of your role as an ambassador a rhythm of your life.

Each morning

• Remind yourself that you’re like a foreigner in a strange land.
• Remember you have a responsibility to represent where you’re from and educate others on the distinctions between your different ways of life.
• As someone in a new place would, embrace the adventure of being fascinated by and interested in the people right in front of you.

Throughout the week

• Take time to remember and celebrate the things that are unique about the culture of Christ’s Kingdom (Matt. 5-7; James; 1 John 2-4): We love our enemies; we pray for those who hurt us; we give to those who ask; we don’t worry; we don’t judge; when people knock, we open the door.
•  As opportunity arises, proudly represent the way things are in Christ’s Kingdom.