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.