Making A Difference?

“…And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33

I see mega-churches all over town. I know of Bible study small groups, home groups, home churches, and specialized meetings that give fellowship to those with particular needs.  Worshipers in every church lift hands to “our Father who art in heaven.” There are ministries for every age and stage, volunteers who meet needs with empathy and understanding, teachers for everyone, intercessory prayer groups, and pastors, preachers, elders, and leaders faithful to their flocks.

There are blog posts, ministry newsletters, interviews of believers, media of every sort, magazines dedicated to sharing the Word of God, and innumerable books that address every need and interest. We have big-name Christians whom everyone recognizes, and uncountable numbers of behind-the-scenes Christian workers. Prayers are lifted up for families, homes, neighborhoods, cities, states, countries, and the world—for governments, for nations, for missions and missionaries, for hospitals and doctors and nurses, for the sick and dying, for wayward kids, for prisoners, for wars, for the mentally ill, for provision, for the needy and homeless. I could go on for days about all the kingdom work Christians are doing around the world.

With all this believing, faithful activity taking place every day in so many places, why is the world at war? Why are neighbors, family members, and even church members not getting along? Do individuals making bad choices really have so much power that they can turn the world upside down? Does it all come down to “each of us”?

I’ve been reading through 1 and 2 Kings, and I am struck by how easily and often God’s people were led astray. In spite of all God did for them, in spite of His power shown in miracles, in spite of His covenant love, in spite of His provision and tender care, the people still worshiped other gods. They were so easily influenced by the lives of outsiders.

Are Christians today making a difference?

Christians make a difference on an individual basis, in the sense that even if our ministry is to large crowds, each person must make a personal decision. And there are myriad reasons each person may or may not make that decision. Jesus spoke to individuals, and He spoke to crowds; but every time, personal decisions had to be made individually. (I comfort myself by remembering that even when Jesus Himself, the very Son of God, gave a personal invitation, some still went away sorrowful, angry, mocking, or unbelieving.)

One Christian reaching out. One person responding to the call of Christ to follow, or responding to the ministry of His Spirit in their need.

“I am not alone, because the Father is with me.”

If all the Christians were taken out of the world, life would be unlivable. Chaos and disorder would reign. Hatred and anger would surround us. There would be no peace, rest, comfort, help, or hope. Yes, Christians are making a difference.

Let’s look for ways to make a difference in people’s lives. Pray for world leaders to find and follow Jesus. Be open to the hurting, the marginalized, the fearful. Provide for needs as much as you are able. Touch. Listen. Help. Give. Share. Testify. What else can we do, one at a time?

Father, we are weak but You are strong. Accomplish Your will through us. You are the One making a difference in this world. Fill us with Your Spirit, and send us to the one, or to the many. May we be found faithful. Amen.