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 YES … 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 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.

Consider also that had 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 was founded primarily by Christ-followers that The Declaration of Independence cites self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator. And 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 big difference. And today, they continue to change the world in ways both large and small, 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 across the globe as a direct expression of Jesus’ love for children. Likewise, it also helps evacuees in the United States and abroad cope with manmade and natural disasters alike, everything from the war in the Ukraine to Hurricane Ian, which in September devastated parts of Florida and the East Coast.

Of course, Christ-followers — known collectively as The Church — don’t do any of this through their own power, resources, or initiative. Let’s never forget that the difference we make is possible only through our faith in Jesus:

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

Mission Possible

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

– Luke 4:18-19

Many companies and organizations have a mission statement, which is a written declaration of their purpose, work, and goals. For example, CSX Corporation strives to “… be the safest, most progressive North American railroad, relentless in the pursuit of customer and employee excellence.” Levi Strauss & Co.’s mission statement says, “People love our clothes and trust our company. We will market the most appealing and widely worn casual clothing in the world. We will clothe the world.” Meanwhile, The Hershey Company — the manufacturer of treats such as Twizzlers, Hershey’s Kisses, and Reese’s peanut butter cups — gets right down to business with its stark mission statement: “Undisputed Marketplace Leadership.”

A common denominator here is the principle of return on investment, primarily to the organization’s customers and stockholders. After all, the companies understand that they wouldn’t exist without their benefactors’ ongoing confidence and support. Likewise, their backers expect to see profit in one form or another.  

Jesus once told a story about a master who gave each of his three servants a considerable sum of money (“talents”) to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a time, the master returned to claim what was his. He was very pleased with the first two servants, who had wisely invested their allotments to double the money. But it wasn’t so with the third servant, who feared his master’s stern reputation and refused to risk a loss. Instead, he played it safe and literally buried the funds in a hole in the ground. The master was displeased, to say the least! Instead of commending the servant’s regard for safeguarding his treasure, he was furious because of the wasted opportunity to invest and multiply the money.

That’s where Christ’s mission statement for his followers enters the picture. God has given us various resources, skills, opportunities, and circumstances to invest in the spiritual lives of others. They could be as close as a spouse, sibling, or child. But they might be a co-worker, neighbor, or someone who God puts in your path at a most unexpected moment.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you,” Jesus told his apostles, “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

How are you using your God-given talents? Are you investing them boldly in the lives of others — or are you playing it safe by burying them? It’s through Jesus that our mission is possible.

Follow the Leader

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

– Luke 5:11

It’s one of those nights that even experienced drivers fear. And that’s not to mention their passengers.

It’s nighttime, and it’s raining so hard that you can barely see over your car’s hood. The fog and mist have rolled in. And you don’t dare to slow down or pull over to the roadside. It’s a multi-vehicle accident just waiting to happen.

So what do you do to make it safely to your destination? When it’s raining cats and dogs, sometimes the best move is a serious game of Follow the Leader. That means following the dim red tail lights of the vehicle ahead of you and matching the driver’s every turn. When he taps his brakes, you do, too. And if he bears right, you don’t ask questions. That’s because you know he can already see what’s up ahead.

But things can get dangerous if you try to make it on your own. So ultimately, it’s a matter of trust.

Isn’t this an accurate description of what it means to be a Christ-follower? The Bible tells us that Jesus asked his disciples to follow him into storms, hostile crowds, and towns full of unbelievers. These were dangerous, scary situations. But like the lead driver on the highway, Jesus saw what was ahead. And he led those who believed in him to experience life in its fullest.

That was fine 2,000 years ago. But what does it mean to follow Jesus in the 21st century?

If you’re familiar with imitation leather or imitation flavoring, you know they’re generally not as good as the real thing. But this is one time when imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. That’s because throughout our time on Earth, we’re directed to imitate Christ. And how do we do that?

It’s all about following his examples of growing closer to God through regular prayer, Bible reading, worship, and gathering with other believers. We can also imitate our Savior by being a friend to the weak and helpless, sharing our material blessings, and being an advocate for justice. And there’s much, much more.

If you’re of a certain age, perhaps you’ve seen those What Would Jesus Do (WWJD) bracelets or bumper stickers. While we rarely see them these days, it’s still the big question — more so now than ever considering these stormy days of social, economic, and political turmoil. 

So, what would Jesus do? There’s only one way to find out. Let's follow the Leader! 

The Only Way

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

– Acts 4:12

We live in a nation that’s blessed with choices. Need a cellphone? There are dozens of companies offering popular devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and many others. Well-stocked supermarkets may offer 10 or more brands of bottled water. And if you’re looking for entertainment, Netflix, Apple TV, and Hulu have a program or movie for just about everyone — from cartoons to romantic comedies to horror flicks. Then there’s that online global marketplace, Amazon.com. According to the BigCommerce website, Amazon is where you’ll find your choice of more than 350 million different products!

Since choice has long been popular in America, it’s no surprise that there are also multiple options for religion. Like the sandwich items posted on a fast-food menu board, there's something for every taste and preference. And furthering the confusion is that many self-described experts assure us that whichever one we choose, it really doesn't really matter — just so long as we’re sincere in our beliefs and it makes us happy. After all, one person's truth isn't someone else's. It's all relative. And we're all worshipping the same god anyway. Right?

Not really! The Bible tells us that Jesus made some startling claims that clearly contradict today’s easy-going take on faith. And he also backed them up. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Jesus' birth — even the name of the tiny village where it would happen — centuries before the fact. And in Christ's brief time on earth, he proved himself as the Son of God by curing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving sins, and being a living sacrifice to pay the price for the sins of the world. His resurrection from the grave (also as he predicted) proved his power over death. And 2,000 years later, Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference.

"I am the vine; you are the branches," we read in John's gospel. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Many people — even those who aren't Christ-followers — agree that Jesus was a "good" man and a "wise" teacher. But the hot button question is whether or not he's really the only way to God. The short answer is ...YES! Jesus declares that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. But that's a claim that makes people uncomfortable these days. It's an assertion of exclusivity. And many would call it intolerant.

Or maybe it's not quite so exclusive after all. Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for anyone to have eternal life, and no one who wants a new life through the Savior is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower is about having a personal relationship with him, accepting what he accomplished for us through his death, and letting him live through us. Without faith in Jesus, we can’t please God. 

By some counts, there are today about 20 different major world religions plus thousands of related beliefs and their offshoots. And they all have something in common: their emphasis on doing. But Christianity — the simple faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior — is instead about what's been done. We can't earn our salvation or perform enough good deeds to earn our way to God's favor. Christ has already done it — and paid it in-full through his crucifixion. All we need to do is come to him in faith.  

"It is finished!" Jesus proclaimed as he hung from the cross to save you and me. It was the only way.

Love Language

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

– 1 John 3:16

LOVE is a remarkable word. For example, we might say that we love our spouse, we love America, and we love pizza. They’re the same four letters, but the word’s meaning varies greatly depending on the context.

Now let’s consider something about love according to relationship expert and counselor Gary Chapman. He’s observed that husbands and wives demonstrate their love for each another in distinct ways. Some show it through words of affirmation or acts of service while others speak it through physical touch or quality time. And yet another so-called love language involves giving or receiving gifts.

God likewise communicates his love in several ways. For example, there’s the familiar Bible story of the Prodigal Son, where a loving father welcomes back his wayward — and totally undeserving — child with open arms. And then there’s the parable of the shepherd who searches tirelessly for a single missing sheep. When he finally finds it, he returns it triumphantly to the rest of the flock. These are just two illustrations of our Creator’s immense love for you and me.

Jesus meanwhile paints this sacrificial word-portrait of love, which the agrarian people of his day would have recognized immediately: 

“I am the good shepherd,” Christ tells us though the Gospel of John. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

The Savior also once told his disciples about a certain man who sold his possessions to buy a field. But not just any field — but one that held buried treasure. The purchase price was staggering, but the man did whatever it took to gain the prize. Likewise, God will go to any means to bring us into his kingdom. And he made that possible by entering the world in human form through Jesus, living a perfect life, and then personally paying the penalty for the sins of the world through an unjust execution on a Roman cross.

LOVE is a small word. But when it’s spoken through God’s love language, its power and potential are endless.

Worthy of Worship

 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God

– 1 Corinthians 10:31

Christ-followers worship the true God revealed and proclaimed through the Bible. Meanwhile, various religions around the world promote false gods, ancestor worship, and even the reverence of living things or nature (worshiping the creation rather than the Creator). And then there's today’s popular false teachings such as New Age, Scientology, and Kabbalah. Whatever they worship, the list goes on and on. 

Even those who embrace atheism are in fact active worshipers.

True, they may not be regular churchgoers and proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But they — like everyone — bow to their favorite idols. Some worship money, luxury, and pleasure, while others bend the knee to intellect and higher learning. And still millions more kneel at the altar of more-negative gods such as alcohol, drugs, and illicit relationships.

The saying goes that there are no atheists on the battlefield. But within everyone rages a different conflict: The God of the Bible versus the world’s gods and idols. It's our hearts and souls that are the prizes of this hotly contested struggle.

Perhaps we don’t literally kneel and worship before an Old Testament-style golden idol. But secretly (and maybe not-so-secretly), we do cherish our own personal gods. Think about the things you worry about or sacrifice your time and money for. What are the issues that make you angry? What brings you the most joy? And here’s a revealing question: Whose attention and applause do you most crave?

If your answers don’t involve God, you’re likely worshiping an idol. And idols can be difficult to recognize through the smoke and confusion of spiritual warfare. Even apparently good things can evolve into god things.

Christ-followers must remember that the God of the Bible refuses to share his glory with false deities and cheap idols. So, let’s reflect on the God (and gods) in our lives, and choose the only One to serve and live for. After all, he’s worthy of our worship and praise.

Points of Light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

– Isaiah 9:2

Launched on Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is making headlines with the stunning images it’s taken of hyper-distant galaxies, planets, and stars. NASA announced in August 2022 that the orbiting technological marvel had even captured the first clear evidence for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a planet outside our solar system.

It takes just a tiny point of light on the JWST’s mirror to change our notions about the universe. But when there are barriers to the light — such as the atmosphere in the case of traditional terrestrial telescopes — we can miss the big picture or be misled by a distorted image.

This principle also applies to our spiritual lives. “I am the light of the world,” Jesus proclaims in John 8:12. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 

As Christ-followers, our lives are to always reflect his love in action. But we too face barriers and distortions. For example, the world teaches us to beat the competition, climb the corporate ladder, and keep up with our neighbors. We also need the biggest, the fastest, and the shiniest. And most of all, it’s not bragging if we can back it all up.

Christ has a much different viewpoint: To be first, we must be last. However, it’s long been a human tendency to gaze into the mirror and ponder our warped self-image of importance. But the true message is clear: We are nothing without Jesus, and we can do even less by ourselves. What’s more, it’s when we surrender to God and live out the plans he designed for us long ago that we become brilliant points of light that reflect true lives of purpose.

Christ-followers might not make headlines like the JWST, but every day they’re making life-changing differences both big and small by mirroring Jesus through their words and deeds. As we read in Matthew’s gospel:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”