Changed

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.

– Acts 10:44-45

Early followers of Jesus were called Little Christs because their newfound faith had transformed their lives for all to see. This odd group of people from all walks of life — rich and poor, male and female, slave and free — were markedly different from the rest of society. They somehow had grown more caring and generous toward both neighbors and strangers alike, and they willingly sacrificed their time and resources to ease sorrow and correct injustice. Ultimately, they had abandoned their old, selfish tendencies in favor of something much greater.

In a word, they were changed.

And that says much for their leader — an obscure rabbi from a distant corner of the Roman Empire, who just happened to be God’s own Son. Few recognized that at the time. But because some did and led changed lives while following Jesus, millions in future generations would help to change the world for the better. 

Modern-day Christ-followers must also set aside their selfish deeds and desires in favor of Jesus’ example. And like those first disciples transformed by the words of the Sermon on the Mount, we should recognize that Jesus the leader was also Jesus the follower. Christ spoke constantly with his Father (God) in prayer and always sought his guidance: 

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing,” explained Jesus, “because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

It’s a radical approach that’s just as life-changing today as it was 20 centuries ago. And it’s also an approach that calls for personal action, commitment, and sacrifice. So, whether you’ve followed Jesus for five years or 55, grasp every opportunity to become more like him, walk in his ways, and see the world through his eyes. Then ask God to work through you with his Holy Spirit — that personal, loving Power, who makes it possible to leave your old self behind and become a new creation. 

It’s the change that makes a world of difference. 

Out of the Darkness

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

– James 1:2–3

According to Open Doors’ 2024 report on Christian persecution, our brothers and sisters in faith are being targeted worldwide — particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Last year, almost 15,000 churches and Christian properties were attacked. About 10,000 churches were forcibly closed in China. One in five Christians in Africa were victimized, especially in Nigeria. And the report reveals that it’s effectively a death sentence in North Korea if you’re discovered to be a Christ-follower. Other Asian nations where persecution runs rampant include India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

But religious oppression isn’t isolated to faraway lands. Here in the United States, recent incidents include Wayne State University’s de-recognition of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship — all because the group requires its leaders to be Christian. A Seattle-area assistant high school football coach was suspended for repeatedly praying on the field after games. The Colorado Civil Rights Commission twice targeted a Christian baker for declining to produce decorative cakes that celebrate same-sex marriage and gender transitioning. And last year, a gunman killed three adults and three children at the faith-based Covenant School in Nashville. The shooter’s manifesto cited her hatred of her conservative Christian upbringing as a primary motive.

Christ-followers shouldn’t be shocked by such disturbing headlines. In fact, let’s consider the following admonition from the apostle Peter — biblical guidance that’s just as applicable now as it was nearly 2,000 years ago:

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Peter adds that “… those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” But how can we do that amidst our current adversities? Let’s start by embracing these words from Jesus as recorded in John 15:20:

“Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”

From the earliest Christ-followers to their 21st century counterparts like you and me, Believers have experienced dark times marked by persecution. But it’s because of this darkness that many outside our faith are finally recognizing their own plight — as well as their need for solid answers and a bright future. Let’s therefore turn our faith into light by embodying Jesus' truth and love. Matthew’s gospel puts it this way:

“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

Leap of Faith

I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

– Joshua 1:9

Are you the type who shies away from scary or dangerous situations? Or are you more of a thrill-seeker who loves excitement and adventure? 

If you're willing to take a leap of faith, consider skydiving, which happens to be a surprisingly safe sport. The United States Parachute Association reports that in 2023, there were just 10 civilian fatalities out of the estimated 3.65 million skydiving jumps made by its members in the U.S. Then there’s BASE jumping, which stands for Bridge, Antenna, Span, and Earth. Considered by many the world’s most dangerous sport, BASE jumping involves parachuting from tall structures — like buildings, cliffs and towers — at heights lower than 1,000 feet.

It’s probably hard for most people to relate to such fear-inducing daredevil activities. But every day, Christ-followers like you and me face intimidating challenges. And they’re obstacles that we have no hope of conquering on our own. Poverty, hunger, crime, and disease are just a few examples. Since we’re to serve as God’s hands and feet on earth, is it any surprise that Satan uses fear as his primary weapon against us? It’s the devil who plants the seeds of doubt that cause us to ask ourselves, “What if ...” That’s the two-word question that leads many to seek the safety found in procrastination and delay.

Our Creator, however, calls on Christ-followers to be bold and courageous. But what does courage really mean? First, it’s not the absence of fear. Instead, it’s more about moving forward despite fear. Our God stands with his people. And we can be encouraged by the everyday people he’s enabled to accomplish extraordinary things against overwhelming odds. We read in the Scriptures that David — an obscure shepherd boy — killed the fierce giant Goliath with a single, well-aimed stone from a slingshot. This is the same shepherd boy who eventually became the King of Israel and the one God called “a man after My own heart.” Likewise, the apostle Peter quite literally dove into the deep end when he accepted Jesus’ call to walk on water. Although he would one day deny even knowing Jesus when the going got tough, Peter later became a bold preacher who led many to faith in Christ. Two books of the New Testament also bear his name.

“With God with us, who can be against us?” the apostle Paul asks through his Letter to the Romans. And that’s more than a rhetorical question. Christ-followers can take heart that our Creator is preparing us now for what will be required of us later. And whatever we fear in life, we can rest assured that we don’t face it alone. In fact, it’s when we’re in God’s presence that we’re the most protected. We just need to come to our Father in prayer, listen for his response and guidance, and then take a leap of faith. That’s how we’ll find the boldness and courage to make a world of difference … one person at a time.

Mission Statement

“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 that sets out their purpose, work, and goals. For example, Tesla's mission is to “… accelerate the world's transition to renewable energy.” 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 delicious 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 organizations’ customers and stockholders. After all, these companies understand that they would not exist without their investors’ ongoing confidence and support. Likewise, their backers expect to see positive results from the company in one form or another.  

This is hardly a new concept. About 2,000 years ago, Jesus told a story about a man who gave his three servants a considerable amount of money (“talents”) to invest while he was away on a trip. After a while, the man returned to claim what was his. He was very pleased with the first two servants, who had invested their talents and doubled the money. But it wasn’t so with the third servant, who had feared the man’s stern reputation and sought to avoid a loss. His hopeless strategy was to play it safe by burying the money in the ground. The master was displeased, to say the least! Instead of commending the servant’s concern for safeguarding his resources, he was furious because of the wasted opportunity to invest and multiply his treasure.

This is where Jesus’ mission statement for his followers enters the picture: God has given us various talents, resources, opportunities, and circumstances to invest in the lives of others. They could be your spouse, sibling, or child. On the other hand, they might be a co-worker, neighbor, or someone God puts in your path at a most unexpected moment. It’s reassuring to know that our Creator has also sent us a special Helper to get the job done:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you,” Jesus assured 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 the talents? Are you investing them in others — or are you simply playing it safe? It’s through the Spirit that our mission as Christ-followers is possible.

Hurry Up and Wait

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”

– Acts 1:4

We live in a 24/7 world of hurry — one of instant communications, Walmart Supercenters, and microwave popcorn. And just about anything we want is available through a mere tap on our smartphone. But take another look, and you'll discover that we're not always on the move. Efficiency experts report that on average, we spend about 45 to 62 minutes per day waiting. That covers common tasks like waiting in line at the bank, waiting at the restaurant for the server to take our order, and even waiting for our car to fill up at the gas pump. (All-in-all, that’s about three years of waiting by the time we reach age 70!)

Few people like to wait, and multi-tasking to make the most of down-time has become a valued life-skill. But the fact is that waiting isn't always a waste. Instead, it can be an essential part of God's plan for our lives — a process that enables us to become. This concept might be difficult to grasp because the human viewpoint of time differs greatly from that of our Creator. Here’s how the apostle Peter puts it into perspective:

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends. To the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day."

Christ-followers must understand that what happens while we're waiting is often more important than what we're waiting for. Ask anyone who has spent grueling hours at the hospital contemplating the health and future of a loved one. Did their soul-searching experience bring a closer dependence on God? It's when we're so humbled and powerless that we realize we can do nothing on our own.

Maybe our non-stop, 24/7 world of hurry actually revolves around waiting. So, with that in mind, let’s make the most of our time in God's Waiting Room — a place where we can look for ways and opportunities to say yes to him with a sense of expectancy and hope. As Psalm 130:5 reminds us:

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."