The Difference We Make

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

– Matthew 22:36-40

Have you ever wondered if Christ-followers really make a difference in the world? And would life be any different if Jesus had never been born?

The short answer is that the world would be a very different place. First, if Jesus had never been born, there would be no Church. This is the same Church that helped to stop

slavery, cannibalism and the killing of children — all permissible practices in their respective cultures. It’s also likely that the world would be less educated. Christian missionaries first put many of the world’s languages into print to help their native speakers read the Bible. And all but one of the first 123 colleges in Colonial America were Christian institutions. Harvard was even founded on this statement:

“Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3.”

If Jesus had never been born, the Church wouldn’t have been around to promote the biblical principles of free enterprise, private property rights and the work ethic. It’s because the United States government was largely founded by Christ-followers that The Declaration of Independence cites self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator. Our nation also recognizes the rule of law rather than the authority of man — a concept tracing back to the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. Even the slogan embossed on the Liberty Bell comes from the Bible: “Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof…”

The truth is that Christ-followers and the Church HAVE made a difference. Today, they continue to change the world in both small ways and large, such as by delivering meals to shut-ins and providing housing for the homeless. Samaritan’s Purse — the Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham — also distributes Christmas packages each year as a direct expression of Christ’s love for the world’s children. That organization also helps thousands in the United States and abroad cope with both manmade and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Laura, which devastated parts of the Gulf Coast in August 2020.

Of course, what all Christ-followers — collectively known as the Church — must never forget is the Power behind the difference they make:

“I am the vine; you are the branches,” declares Jesus. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Obstacle Course

 

Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!"

– Nehemiah 4:14

Christ-followers are particularly susceptible to the obstacles of life when they say YES to God and work to do his will in the world. 

Note first that these pitfalls and detours can take several disheartening forms. It might be criticism or ridicule of your efforts from an enemy, co-worker or even a family member.

And in extreme cases, the situation could even turn malicious, violent or fatal.

The saying “No good deed goes unpunished” applies here. That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised when we take heat for trying to help others see the light. In fact, we should beware if our faith-journeys are too smooth and trouble-free. It could mean that the devil doesn’t consider us a threat to his plans. And it’s then that we can become our own worst enemy. 

“How terrible when everyone says only good things about you,” warns Jesus, “because their ancestors said the same things about the false prophets.”

What should we do when doing God’s will gets a bit too rough? The first thing is to know your opposition and acknowledge its existence. Running away, ignoring the situation or pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it disappear. Then pray for God’s help and guidance. And also pray for your enemy — and even do good for them. Finally, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you’re doing. If it’s something that comes from God, saying yes to him and fighting for what’s right is worth the trouble and effort. 

That’s a tall order. But remember, we’re not in the fight alone, and God has the last word. Moreover, since Jesus has already paid the price on the cross for the world’s sins, the obstacles are overcome, and the fight is already won. 

Victory is ours when we say YES to our Savior.

Gospel Truth

 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

-- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Can we really believe what's in the Bible? And is all that stuff really true about Jesus being the Son of God and rising from the dead? 

Those are lofty questions with eternal consequences. But who really knows the truth? After all, some people say the Bible is too old to be relevant in modern times. Others doubt the

possibility of all the miracles it reports. And still others say the Bible is no greater than the scriptures of other religions.

With so many legitimate concerns out there, what makes the Bible stand out above every book ever written?

First, the Bible says it’s God's word — and then backs up its claim with hundreds of prophesies (predictions) about events that actually happened decades or centuries later. For example, the Old Testament records in detail God's plan for saving mankind through a Messiah. The prophet Micah wrote that the Savior would be born — in of all places — an obscure backwater of the Roman Empire called Bethlehem. And as we read in the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled these prophesies in person through his birth, ministry, death and resurrection. And he did so to the letter!

Historically and scientifically accurate, the Bible is also the most studied and critiqued book in history. Try as many have, no one has been able to disprove its claims. Luke, the physician who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, also wanted the real scoop. So he interviewed the people who knew Jesus best and could attest to his existence. Let’s consider the opening lines of Luke's first book:

"Many people have tried to tell the story of what God has done among us. They wrote what we had been told by the ones who were there in the beginning and saw what happened. So I made a careful study of everything and then decided to write and tell you exactly what took place. ... I have done this to let you know the truth about what you have heard."

The apostle Peter — someone who knew Jesus personally — also reassures us through his own testimony recorded in the Book of 2 Peter:

"When we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling just clever stories that someone invented," he wrote. "But we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes."

It all adds up to a mountain of convincing evidence that would stand up in court. Indeed, God's word to us through the Bible is trustworthy. And who better to confirm that than someone who very much believed it himself: Jesus. Luke's gospel tells us that Christ even launched his public ministry by reading passages from the Book of Isaiah. A tiny Jewish congregation was the first audience for these stunning words of new-found meaning. But Jesus also meant them for everyone — even those today — with ears to hear The Gospel Truth:

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

A Higher Purpose

 But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

-- Exodus 9:16

Duct tape is the product of 1,000 uses that can mend broken automobile fan belts, cracked windshields and split vinyl siding. It’s also great for removing lint from clothing. And if you believe the article on Seeker.com, it’s come through during emergencies to stabilize a cross-country skier’s damaged knee, prevent frostbite, and even save the Apollo 13 astronauts. But ironically — for all its versatility — duct tape can fail when used for its original intended purpose: wrapping heating and air-conditioning ductwork! 

People, like duct tape, are also designed with an intended purpose or calling.

When it comes to Christ-followers, the Bible reveals that God has given them certain gifts, talents and resources for advancing his kingdom on Earth. For example, vocalists and musicians might use their gifts in church to lead worship on Sunday mornings. Other believers have talents related to behind-the-scenes applications, like bookkeepers and office managers, who help the church make the most of its finances. Meanwhile, these same gifts, talents and resources have applications in the secular world, which can also help identify their owner’s purpose or calling.

Have you found yours?

If not, your search should begin with regular prayer, Bible study and discernment — the ongoing functions of living, thinking and acting to distinguish between right and wrong, and the essential from the secondary. Meanwhile, your daily circumstances, trials and crises also blend into the mix. But it’s your service that often reveals the answer. That’s because we’re all called to be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth. And it’s no coincidence that Christ-followers who complete a mission trip or other acts of service say that they gained more from the experience than those they sought to help. 

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” Jesus reminds us. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."  

As Christ-followers, let’s turn our faith into action — and see what God reveals to us about our calling or purpose — by accepting his invitation to help brighten a dark world that’s so much in need of guidance, truth and love.

Maybe that’s the only other thing duct tape can’t do. 

Help Wanted

 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

– Luke 10:2

Although millions of Americans lost their jobs following the COVID-19 business shutdowns, there’s actually good news on the employment front. Companies like FedEx, Amazon and UPS are hiring thousands of new workers in preparation for the busy holiday season. There’s a national shortage of truck drivers. And Federal Reserve leaders just predicted that the unemployment rate will fall to 7.6% by the end of 2020, and to 5.5% by the end of 2021. 

If you’re in the job market, be aware that employers prefer experienced, can-do candidates who meet their exacting criteria. Those who fail to impress and excel in some

categories face the reality of not making it to the critical second interview. 

Your first hurdle is to prove to the interviewer that you can do the job. What’s more, employers have to decide if they like you. Even if you’re well-qualified, you probably won’t get the job if they think you lack the right chemistry. They also want to know if you’re a risk. In other words, do you have a reputation for being difficult to manage? And finally, you must be affordable. Employers will eliminate you from the running if they think your salary demands are unreasonable.

Corporations aren’t the only ones with high standards for their team members. For example, Christ-followers are tasked with preparing God’s Kingdom and being a bright light in a dark, troubled world. And since it’s such an important job that can yield eternal, life-changing rewards, only certain candidates are considered. First, they must be available on an as-needed basis. (Expect to work some weekends and holidays!) They also need to be obedient and follow the Boss’s (Jesus) directions — even if they don’t make much sense at the time. Effective Christ-followers must also be humble in their work and share the credit whenever it’s due. Overtime and sacrifice are a given. And to top it off, they must display initiative and be on the lookout for opportunities to help their customers (neighbors), both local and foreign.

Is it any wonder that most people won’t respond to Christ’s help wanted sign? To quote the U.S. Navy’s old recruiting slogan,“It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure.” Here’s how Luke’s gospel records Jesus’ words to his would-be candidates:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

Landing a job can be hard — even in a vibrant, growing economy. But here’s some good news: Jesus is hiring right now for his organization’s growing team. And many of his highest-producers have had no experience in the field. Yes, the working conditions aren’t always ideal. But there are plenty of rewards along the way. And the retirement plan is out of this world.