MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
Making a Difference

I want you to put on your thinking cap. Without the use of Google or any of you computerized devices name the five richest people in the world. Now, name the last 5 actors to win the academy award for best actor. Next, name the last 5 Heisman Trophy Award winners. Say the names of 5 Nobel Prize winners. It’s not easy is it? Let’s try something else. Name your 3 most influential school teachers. Name the person or people who led you to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Speak allowed the three most important people in your life.

Now, that was easier wasn’t it? Why, because the people who matter most to an individual’s life are not always the wealthiest, smartest, most athletic or even the most famous. The ones we remember most are the ones who made a difference in our lives. They are the ones who taught us something, who poured their lives into ours, Your parents, your teachers, your friends, your pastors and others have helped you to grow up, to become better parents, friends and contributors to society.

God is not looking for the smartest, richest, most famous people to accomplish his work. He is seeking people who are willing to give their lives away. He seeks people who are committed to him and to reaching others with his message. He's scanning the world, seeking people who will love God and others more than themselves. He is trying to find people who are willing to be the last and will put others first.

Jesus said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35. When you are a dedicated church member, an outwardly focused Christian, you will make a difference in the lives of people around you. You will give parts and sometimes all of yourself to the people in the church family and to people who are outside of Christ, seeking true meaning for life. You can not only make a difference; you can make an eternal difference in the lives of others. What difference are you making in the lives of others? Those differences will create memories for a lifetime and even for eternity. Is there anyone who, when asked how they got to heaven, will say you showed them the way.

This Sunday we will conclude our series of messages titled The Dedicated Church Member; an Outwardly Focused Christian, with a message titled, “I Can and Will Make a Difference” based again, at least in part, on 1Corinthians 12 & Ephesians 4:11-16. Let’s join together and share the difference Jesus wants each of his children to make. Are you making a difference that will last?

Striving with you to make a difference,

Jon