We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV
I’ll never forget the first student I led to Christ in my public school classroom. Ashlee had actually graduated the previous year and was attending a local university. Our conversation during her surprise visit after school one day very quickly steered toward my faith…and her need for Jesus. It turns out that God has used me as her teacher to plant seeds of faith in her heart and mind. Honestly, she caught me off guard with how ready she was to surrender to Christ, like she had already made the decision but just needed me to help her close the deal. Even though we were alone in my classroom and she was no longer a student (in fact, she was a full-on adult at this point), I nearly caught myself reflexively looking over my shoulder to see who might catch me in the act of leading someone to Christ in a public school.
Several months later, she asked me to come down to the pool at her off-campus apartment to baptize her! What an honor it was to see her publicly declare her faith in Jesus before her friends and her unbelieving, yet supportive parents. It was abundantly clear to me that God had used me as an ambassador for Christ, and Jesus had “made His appeal” through me, even though I taught in a public school.
It’s funny how often we assume obstacles to the gospel in the hearts and minds of others that aren’t really there. We tell ourselves that others aren’t interested, that it’s not the right time, or that our workplace, professional role, or environment makes sharing our faith impossible. Yet God continually reminds us that He’s already at work long before we ever open our mouths. He softens hearts, arranges circumstances, and draws people to Himself in ways we can’t always see. And He knows how to help us work within the confines of what’s legal as public school educators.
Our role isn’t to force the moment or to have all the right words—it’s simply to be available, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and live as faithful representatives of Jesus wherever He’s placed us.
So today, wherever you find yourself, remember: You are His ambassador. And through you, God is still reaching the world with His love.
Lord, Your Word says that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Would You send more workers into the harvest fields of our public schools? May those of us already serving there actively listen for Your voice and courageously obey Your Spirit’s leading. You have already sent us to the broken, hurting, and needy that fill up our classrooms every day…make Your appeal through us. Amen.
Copyright David Schmus.
David is the Executive Director of Christian Educators.
