“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Ambassadors For Christ
On several of our business trips we have opportunities to meet people as ambassadors for one of the companies we work with. It’s ironic that we are also ambassadors for Christ.
From east to west, north to south, we find that people have the same 3 basic needs:
-
To Belong
-
To Have Value
-
To Be Competent
On a business trip to Austin, Texas we also had an opportunity to meet a large Mexican family in nearby Buda.
They invited us to their home on a Saturday night because they wanted to know how to start a business similar to our own.
Then they showered unexpected hospitality on us by feeding us and inviting us into their family. Many did not speak english, so we needed a translator in order to communicate effectively.
One of the sons was fluent in english and filled that role. We felt humbled to be able to share our success with them. We also had opportunity to pray for them and bless them.
God Fills What Man Cannot
Ultimately, only Christ completely fulfills these basic needs. You are accepted by Him, highly valued by Him, and you are competent in Him… always! Others sense this.
Since your needs are met in Christ, you can now meet the needs of others.
As Christ’s ambassador, you can meet these needs through your business or your work. Expect Christ in you to express Himself to people you interact with.
Use these questions to evaluate your business or work. What can you offer to more effectively meet these basic human needs?
#1 To Belong
Do people want to associate with you and your business? Do you communicate that they are more than just “customers” or “clients”? Allow people to get to know the real you and create a community they can feel part of and belong to.
You can use tools like social media, video, images, brochures, websites and online directories such as Yelp, Trip Advisor, etc.
#2 To Have Value
Most of us do a good job letting our customers know how much we value their business. Do you also do a good job valuing them as people? Do your best to give all your patrons the preferential treatment you tend to give your big spenders.
Create ways to show you truly care. Use customer appreciation, bonuses, giveaways, visible reviews and other ways to make them feel valued.
#3 To Be Competent
Do you showcase your products and services to help people have a sense of being better equipped for their own careers and callings? Provide good customer service by getting to know and meet their needs.
Empower them with tools they can use to solve their own problems. This might be things like FAQ’s, training, tips, or enabling your customers to help other customers through an online forum.
Be Ready In Season And Out
You’ll be surprised at the opportunities that present themselves to minister to people. There will be times you can pray for them, give words of encouragement, or divinely inspired wisdom.
In our experience, we have seen God supernaturally heal people because we were ready and willing to be ambassadors for Christ. It is very fulfilling to be used by God to bless others.
One related topic you may find interesting is about what it means to be a king. Scripture tells us;
“Christ redeemed us to God by His blood and has made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”
Kings have a bad reputation for being ruthless, selfish rulers.
Jesus redeems us to be the kind of kings (and queens) who reign by serving others, rather than expecting others to serve us.
I’m Serving the Lord and I came across your info on the internet while looking for something more meaningful in life. I work with a women ministry on the island of St, Maarten and I find they serving the Lord but live in lack like myself and if I lead then I need to bring some hope to women. That made me search the web. Hope to hear from you. God bless. I’m a prophetess. I serve and minister but I want to do much more why talk about how great God is when I can’t show the people how great he is to me. I amlooking for an opportunity where I can help change lives in a positive way. My organization name is Wealthy Woman Of Purpose. When I look at the name, I’m asking God to empower me to bring these women into a wealthy place for Christ and in their life too.
Hi Agnes,
Thank you for sharing your heart and reaching out to us. It sounds like you are doing some great ministry with the women of St. Maarten. We understand that you want to be a good example to others in every area of your life. We wish we could help but unfortunately we are not able to conduct business in St. Maarten at this time. We happened to be in Florida for hurricane Irma. We know you island was heavily damaged by Irma. I’m sure there is a big need for making disciples for Jesus Christ. We will pray for you. Continue to seek God for ways to earn income. We trust He will direct your steps.
Blessings,
Scott & Laurie
Great insight in this post!!
Thanks, Misty
You’re welcome Misty.
Edna, I’m very glad you invited me into your Facebook Group. It has been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot from you and you have given me some important things to consider for our business practices.
One of them is getting different perspectives from you and the others I’ve been exposed to. Wonderful!
I think there is a big difference between marketing and selling. In the beginning, for me it was all about trying to sell something. I’ve backed away from this some and focused on marketing. It looks like this approach is giving us better results in the long run.
Thanks again for your feedback. Appreciate you.
><>Scott
What an encouraging post with Christian business strategies. Thank you for sharing this! We do have these needs, and we’re often not even aware of it. To Belong. To Have Value. To Be Competent. When we have these, it’s fulfilling and we’re able to accomplish more.
Melinda, yes… and we tend to look to man to have these needs fulfilled. Man will eventually let us down, right! So knowing our true identity in Christ is the only way to go. God never lets us down, as demonstrated by the cross of Christ.
Why did it take me twelve years to figure this out, and then a lifetime to live it out? Stubborn old man didn’t like the idea one being crucified to death. Ran around with his head cut off for all those years. He’s dead and buried now!
Scott
Opportunities to minister to others can happen at any moment. We need to keep our ears, eyes and heart open for those opportunities. Great post. 🙂
Melissa, yes! I need a constant reminder of this. Thanks for your comments.
><>Scott
I love how you mentioned that Christ can use us both in and out of season. Sometimes I feel like I have to be in a certain place doing some certain task for Him to use me but He can use me anytime from anywhere. Love this ?
Yup… when we are weak He is strong. When we’re strong, He is stronger!