INTRODUCTION

Everything about the Christian life is wrapped up and founded in the person of Jesus Christ. The saints witness to the lost "in Christ’s stead" (2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
See All...). The saints find their approval "in Christ" (Romans 16:10Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
See All...). Their love for each other is "in Christ Jesus" (1 Corinthians 16:24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
See All...). It should, therefore, be of no surprise that the saints’ salutations are also given "in the Lord" (Romans 16:22I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
See All...; 1 Corinthians 16:19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
See All...). This means the salutations of the saints are to be given through prayer and with the word of God and will of God in mind. The saints of God should salute one another as led by the Lord to do so. Those salutations are given as ambassadors of Christ.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Read Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
  See All...a. This includes salutations. Our greetings should bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
  See All...). Our greetings should build people up in the Lord (1 Corinthians 14:26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
  See All...b; 2 Corinthians 12:19Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
  See All...b; Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
  See All...).
• Read some of Paul’s salutations. What words or phrases did he use to signify that his salutations were given with the will of God and the ministry in mind?
• Do you greet your brothers and sisters in Christ with carnal talk and carnal subjects? How can this be a sinful practice and a failure on your part to minister for the Lord?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you take your salutations seriously.
• Ask God to help you realize that you are always His ambassador.

HYMN

Take My Life, and Let It Be

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