Can I Really Make a Difference?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Phil 2:3-4

It’s just me, can I really make a difference? Have you ever asked yourself that question? If you listen to news talk shows, celebrity hosts, and social media influencers, the simple answer would be no unless you have a last name like Musk, Zuckerberg, Trump, Harris, or any other name that appears regularly on Fox, CNN, MSNBC, or The View.  It all depends upon your definition of difference. For these interviewers, it is all about wealth, fame, or some notable action. However, these folks are not the ones who truly determine if you are making a difference.

“Some kind of procession was approaching us, and the light came from the persons who composed it…Then, on the left and right, at each side of the forest avenue, came youthful shapes, boys upon one hand, and girls upon the other…Between them went musicians: and after these a lady in whose honour all this was being done….” Is it?…Is it?” I whispered to my guide. “Not at all,” said he. “It’s someone ye’ll never have heard of…” She seems to be…well, a person of particular importance?…”Aye. She is one of the great ones. Ye have heard that fame in this country and fame on Earth are two quite different things.”

Master storyteller C. S. Lewis in his great fantasy, The Great Divorce, describes a scene in Heaven of the celebration of one that wouldn’t have made the nightly news. Lewis describes the heavenly parade where she was honored for her eternal impact. What did she do to garner such heavenly praise? Nothing according to the world’s definition of success and influence.  “Every beast and bird that came near her had its place in her love. In her they became themselves. And now the abundance of life she has in Christ from the Father flows over into them.”

The wealthy and famous do have great influence in this world but so do the poor and unknown when placed in God’s hand and under His control. Poor or rich have the same standard, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others (Phil 2:3-4).

The narrator goes on to say in the story, “It is like when you throw a stone into a pool, and the concentric waves spread out further and further. Who knows where it will end? Redeemed humanity is still young, it has hardly come to its full strength. But already there is joy enough in the little finger of a great saint such as yonder lady to waken all the dead things of the universe into life.” (C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce)

How would you answer the question, “Can I really make a difference?” David confronted that question while facing Goliath. Moses confronted that question while facing a burning bush. Jesus confronted that question while facing the cross. Throughout history, others have struggled to answer that question.

Remember what God thinks of you. “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground (Gen 1:26). God thinks you can make a difference since He made you. “God never called you to be anyone other than you. But he does call on you to be the best you you can be. The big question is, at your best, who are you?” (Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life)

Remember what others need from you. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (I Thess 5:11). I don’t have to remind you of the anxiety, fear, and hopelessness that seems to be epidemic in our culture today. A simple word of encouragement could make a big difference in someone’s life today.

Remember what Jesus said to do. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 Jesus made a difference through His extravagant love, literally laying down his life for us. Though we may not face death in our love for others, imagine the difference it will have in our world. “The greatest theologians, preachers, pastors, or Christians among us are those that love greatly, because we are never more in love with God than when we are loving the people He created.” (Kevin “KB” Burgess)

Remember why you want to make a difference. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven– Matt 5:16. You should never underestimate the impact you have on others simply by living an honest and faithful life before God. “If you wish to be a man or woman of God who desires to live a godly life that will leave its mark upon this world, you must stand in the shadow of your Savior.” (Charles Swindoll)

Can you make a difference? British evangelist Gipsy Smith who preached in Great Britain and the United States for over 70 years once said, “There are five Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Christians—but most people never read the first four!”

The world needs eternal difference-makers. Together we become those difference makers simply with that one word of encouragement, that one act of kindness, that one expression of love, and our unshakable trust in God.

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you… Be merciful, just as y our Father is merciful. Luke 6:27-28,36

God is great!

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