The ambassador

“Stay out of our affairs,” U.S. ambassador David Wilkins was told during the last election campaign.

That message came from every shade in the Canadian political spectrum. Canadians may have different opinions on corruption in Ottawa, Quebec separation, the Canada Health Act, but when an American tells us how to run our country, we close ranks in our outrage. Whether it’s about the war in Iraq, missile defence, trade disputes, the Kyoto Accord or Arctic sovereignty, the tone and substance of messages from our U.S. ambassadors often annoy us.

The complex role of the U.S. ambassador to Canada should, however, be instructive to Christians. Just as David Wilkins is placed in Canada by President Bush, we have been placed in society as “Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

The instruction is unambiguous. We are here on assignment. In the true sense of the word we are not dual citizens, we are not landed immigrants, we are not tourists, we are not visitors, we are not here on work visas. We are resident aliens, emissaries representing a foreign kingdom.

The role of ambassador goes back as far as recorded history takes us, back to the epic tales of the ancient storytellers. When two kingdoms meet, ambassadors are needed to safely and accurately relay messages back and forth. Even hostile kingdoms recognize this need. In both Hebrew and Greek the technical word “ambassador” is another word for “messenger,” and also the more ominous-sounding “angel.”

As ambassadors we have been given a simple message to pass on to our hosts: “the kingdom of God is at hand” and therefore “be reconciled with God.” Beyond that we have been given no other message. Those outside the church are not expected to live under the laws of our kingdom (1 Corinthians 5:12).

Our code of conduct as ambassadors is also clearly and repeatedly spelled out. “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).

We will be watched. We will be vilified. We will even be falsely accused of various crimes. The diplomatic rights we have as ambassadors of another kingdom may not be recognized. And though the mistreatment of an ambassador justifies war, we are told not to expect rescue.

Our instructions may be clear but, as most ambassadors discover, it is a complex lifestyle. As representatives of a superior kingdom we naturally feel we have a lot of sensible things to say to the land of “pagans” in which we reside. We know the laws of God. We know we have been instructed to look after the poor, care for the outcast, and turn the other cheek when struck.

Are these not sensible principles for all humanity? Surely because of our knowledge of God’s universal laws and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, prudent nations should beg us to play the roles of Daniel and Joseph.

But they don’t, and when we volunteer our advice the results often stun us. We are treated with hostility and anger instead of gratitude. The hidden “Christian” agenda evokes fear and loathing. “Stay out of our affairs,” we are told in so many words.

And we are shocked and often hurt by the reaction. But we shouldn’t be. Our King tells us unequivocally that we, his messengers, will not always be appreciated.

But there is another problem and that is when ambassadors don’t understand their roles. Two mistakes come from this misunderstanding. The first is the mistake of speaking as a citizen when one is a guest.

The second is condescension. In a world that has made freedom of expression a cardinal virtue it can be hard to understand why we should not speak to every issue of the society we live in. Anyone who has ever experienced directions from a houseguest or unsolicited advice from a self-proclaimed superior, however, will quickly understand why discretion and thoughtful speech are the most valued tools of an ambassador.

As we come to terms with the fact that we do not live in a Christian society, we will do well to re-learn the courtesies of diplomatic postings so we do not bring embarrassment on our King.

James Toews is pastor at Neighbourhood Church, Nanaimo, B.C.