Ambassadors Show Up

via TJC

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

As an ambassador of Jesus, how I operate and function reflects upon Him and my country of origin: The Kingdom of God.

Being a pastor comes with trappings. One such trap can be an air of refinement;  forgetting that our Master washed feet and embraced prostitutes while eating with tax collectors. But nothing was said about fixing toilets or exterminating pests!

Some single women in our church were renting an older home. A request came for assistance in moving three separate sets of belongings. I had a Class C driver's license, so I drove the sizable Penski truck. Along with some young bucks, we moved these ladies into their new but challenging dwelling. As pianos and sleeper sofas were unloaded, I took note of the previous occupant's remnants. This was a spiritually and physically dirty house.

We men had no difficulty praying through the house. In many ways, I would rather deal with the spiritual than the physical. I have found demons easier to cast out than the flesh! The toilet required a new seal and bolts. The stench was powerful. But the dust bowl of fleas in the basement caused two of the men to toss their lunch. With a brazing torch and Clorox, it took two days to exterminate them. Fleas are little demons!

Soon other plumbing and extermination requests arrived. Did I say I would rather deal with unclean spirits than unclean bathrooms? I am a PASTOR, which comes with a certain decorum! However, I grabbed hold of myself. I am, first and foremost, an ambassador of the Kingdom. Toilets and fleas ARE within my realm.

Daily Battle Order:

Men of God, at times, are called to show up for unpleasant assignments. As men, we were made for difficult circumstances. Decide in advance to represent the Kingdom. Determine to lead from the front. When others shrink back, you show up.