But that is exactly what we are taught to do as Christians. The love of self and self-preservation are two of the strongest and most natural characteristics we possess. Yet, we never fully outgrow the predisposition to selfishness and it can only be conquered with the help of the Holy Spirit. In order to mature properly as a Christian, this innate preoccupation with self must be overcome and experience teaches that it is very difficult thing to do. All of us will spend the rest of our lives fighting against it and many will fail to make significant progress.
Ambassadors are the personal representatives of kings, potentates, and other heads of state.
As the children of God and joint-heirs with Christ, we literally represent our sovereign God before men. Our position as one of Christ s ambassadors is further complicated by the fact that we are expected to minister in His name. Those to whom we are sent are the peoples of the world around us lost sheep, needing a shepherd and the Lord expects us to represent Him where they are concerned. When we allow self to get in the way of our service, we do a disservice. Some of his aides came to him and asked him if there was anything he desired to say to these men and women who had followed his leadership for so many years.