by Melissa Sharp
“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
In a captivating National Geographic story, “This Runner Conquered the Leadville 100 … in Jeans” (published September 2025), we meet Truett Hanes, a 28-year-old from Plain City, Utah. Truett pushes endurance limits—running marathons, setting a Guinness World Record for 10,001 pull-ups in 24 hours, and completing the 100-mile Leadville Trail race, all in blue jeans. His standout achievements include a 2:38:29 Boston Marathon and a 1:06:03 half-marathon. Why jeans? As an ambassador for The Perfect Jean and Salty Britches, Truett’s bold choice highlights his sponsors. Despite sore feet, he finished Leadville in under 24 hours, showing unwavering commitment.
Truett’s creative representation challenges us as Christ’s ambassadors to reflect that same intentionality. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul urges us to plead and implore others to be reconciled to God—words that demand urgency. We’re called to use our unique gifts to draw the lost to Jesus, just as Truett used his platform to promote his brand.
As believers, Paul says we an “ambassador for Christ.” This means our words, actions, and lives are meant to shine a spotlight on Jesus. Unlike promoting a product that might bring temporary comfort or style, our mission carries eternal weight. Paul describes our role as if God Himself were pleading through us: “We implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) Notice the language used; “pleading” and “imploring.” This is no casual endorsement. It’s an urgent call.
My friend, the stakes in our race are eternal. This means our being an ambassador should be even more impressive than running 100 miles in jeans!
John 3:18 states:
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Isaiah 66:24 warns:
“And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched.”
The reality of eternal torment for those who reject Christ compels us to share the Gospel boldly. Every conversation, talent, or platform is an opportunity to point others to salvation. Like Truett, we need to be innovative and fervent in sharing the Gospel and Christ’s love. Whether through our work, hobbies, or daily interactions—if we are born again—God has equipped us to make an eternal impact. Time is short; let us act with urgency to lead others to Jesus.
So how do we live as ambassadors?
It’s not only in what we say, but, as we discussed yesterday, it’s with visible evidence of our faith. It’s the kind of faith Hebrews 11 recounts in the lives of God’s people. Here’s another everyday list:
By faith, a student refused to cheat—believing God’s approval was better than man’s.
By faith, a worker refuses to take shortcuts or cheat his employer when he thinks no one is looking—choosing to stay close to God by maintaining integrity.
By faith, a single parent prays with their children—though exhausted from two jobs—trusting God to provide.
By faith, a young man resists temptation—leaning on the Spirit when sexual addiction roars.
By faith, a newly saved person chooses to share their testimony—even though they are afraid and uncertain.
By faith, a retiree began to take in the neighborhood children and taught them about Jesus—sowing seeds of truth that would outlast her days.
By faith, an ordinary believer picked up a pen—writing devotionals in secret corners—believing God would use them to encourage a weary soul.
Like Truett Hanes running in jeans, being an ambassador often means willingly accepting discomfort, inconvenience, or even ridicule if it helps point others to Jesus.
Challenge
What creative step can you take this week to use your unique gifts or platform to share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear it?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be ambassadors for Christ. Forgive us for the times we’ve been silent or distracted when the world desperately needs Your message. Stir our hearts to break for what breaks Yours. Help us use our time, talents, and resources to plead with the lost to be reconciled to You. Give us courage to embrace discomfort if it means others might see Jesus in us. May our lives point clearly to the Savior, until the day we see You face to face. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
