The Difference We Make

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

– James 2:18

Have you ever wondered if Christ-followers — collectively known as the “Church” — really make a difference? And for that matter, would the world be any different had Jesus never been born?

Those are two of the big questions our skeptical society raises these days. But they’re nothing new. In fact, disbelievers and doubters have been around since Jesus’ death and resurrection 2,000 years ago. Nevertheless, they’re queries that deserve honest answers.

Obviously, had Jesus never been born, there would be no Church. This happens to be the same Church that helped end slavery, cannibalism, and the killing of children — all permissible practices in their respective cultures of the time. It’s also likely that the world would be less literate and educated. That’s because Christian missionaries put many of the world’s languages into print to help their native speakers read the Bible. The Church also founded hospitals. 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 founded the Church, we also wouldn’t have the biblical principles of free enterprise, private property rights, and the work ethic. It’s because the United States 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 HAVE made a difference over the centuries. And today, we continue to change the world in both small ways and large, such as by working together to deliver meals to shut-ins and build housing for the homeless. Samaritan’s Purse — the humanitarian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham — also distributes Christmas packages every year as a direct expression of Christ’s love for the world’s children. And that same Christ-centered entity helps millions of refugees endure manmade and natural disasters alike, such as the recent earthquakes in Turkey, Ebola outbreak in Uganda, and war in Ukraine. Closer to home, Samaritan's Purse recently responded to 18 disasters across the United States, including Hurricane Ian, ice storms, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Whether it’s through complex, international relief efforts or simple, individual acts of kindness, Christians continue to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet in a dark, troubled world. But let’s never forget that the difference we make is possible only through the One we follow: 

“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.”