Whatever situation you find yourself in, you have the ability to make a difference. It begins with your perspective and attitude. If you maintain a godly perspective along with a humble attitude, keeping God in view, your light will shine in such a way that others will be inspired by you. They will notice that you live differently from the world.
Living differently from the world is how God guides you.
My brother, Dennis, in his last weeks on earth, demonstrated such a demeanor where he made a difference despite a mental diagnosis that changed him physically and mentally. You see, when Jesus is the Lord of your life, even when your mental state has been compromised, Jesus remains upfront and ministering through you to others.
Dennis’ last few months on earth was confined to a veteran’s facility. While he deteriorated physically, his love for Christ did not. He shared Jesus with whomever would listen. He is now in the presence of His Lord and Savior while his life lives on through those that have been touched by him.
Dennis made a difference with his life.
The life of Christ within you is the heart of how you make a difference in this dying, decaying world. In Ephesians 3:1-13, the apostle Paul shares why God graciously gave him the privilege of telling others about the endless treasures available in Christ. He graciously gives every believer this same privilege. God equips His children with the ability to explain to everyone God’s mysterious plan; see verse 8.
Why does God do this? Look at verses 10-11 for the explanation. “God’s purpose in all of this was to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was His eternal plan, which He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Did you catch what Paul is saying? God uses His Church, which is you and me, to display His wonderful wisdom to heavenly angels. You make a difference not only to those around you, but to those in heaven as well. The manifold witness of God’s love through Christ flows throughout heaven and earth despite the presence of sin that is currently on earth.
God is bigger than sin. Satan, his demons, or anyone rejecting the ways of the Lord, cannot outsmart God. He has a purpose that began before Genesis 1 took place, and it will continue to unfold until Jesus returns to judge the earth for its sins. His plan will unfold just as He wants it too.
Don’t let the sins in this world make you think that God doesn’t see what is taking place. Don’t let struggles, disappointments, doubts, or fears halt the work of God within you. Glorify God in all you do when life is hard and especially when life is good. What can you do today to make a difference in someone’s life? Let God show you a different way to live, one that changes you, others, as well as angels in heaven.
You are a called to be a difference maker. You are called to glorify God in all that you do. You are called to follow Jesus and the Holy Spirit no matter the circumstances you face. God is with you.
Carol J German 