Are You An Aloha Ambassador?

Aloha!

That’s the typical greeting here in Hawaii, where we’ve been celebrating our 55th anniversary.

Currently we’re visiting the island of Molokai. But prior to leaving Oahu, I noticed people walking around Waikiki wearing bright green shirts that read “Aloha Ambassador.”

I learned these men and women were employed to greet people, provide information, and assistance to visitors on the island. Furthermore, they were to extend Aloha to everyone they met.

Here in Hawaii, “Aloha” is more than a greeting. It is a spirit. An attitude. A lifestyle. It embodies love, peace, affection, compassion, mercy, and kindness. For nataive Hawaiians it is “a term used to define a force that holds together existence.” “Aloha” is a common salutation both when meeting someone and when leaving.

It occurs to me that the spirit of Aloha ought to be present in those who are disciples of Christ. Ephesians 5 speaks of this spirit as we are commanded to “Walk in love” (v. 5), walk as children of light (v. 8), And “walk circumspectly” ( v. 15).

The new person in Christ is exhorted to clothe themselves with the qualities of “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col. 3: 12). The text further reminds us that love is the bond of perfection that unities us together in Christ.

In our daily interaction with non Christians, the Bible offers this admonition. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:5-6).

The apostle Paul penned in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that “we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” While this text is probably referring to the apostles, certainly by implication and application we ought to also be ambassadors for Christ.

Isn’t this the spirit of being “the light of the world”? And the “salt of the earth”? (Matt 5:13-16).

Back to our “Aloha Ambassadors.” Can you imagine them walking around with a sour look on their faces? Spreading negativity? Constantly finding fault with the tourists? Pointing out everything they did wrong? Showing an attitude of contempt, disrespect, and derision?

While their job involves watching out for everyone’s safety and curtailing any dangerous activities, they are to engage others with the “spirit of Aloha.”

I think as Christians we can learn something from the “Aloha Ambassadors.” And from the original ambassadors of Christ who were “shining as lights in the world,” and “holding fast the word of life” (Phil. 2:15-16).  Pointing people in the right direction. Spreading the love of God. And sharing the Good News.

As you engage with people at work, at school, in your neighborhood, social circle, and daily walk, would you be an “Aloha Ambassador”? An Ambassador for Christ?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

(Note: We’ve not returned to a regular posting schedule yet. But will try to post as we have opportunity on the remainder of our trip. Aloha!)