Making A Difference!

I think we all want to feel that what we are involved in is making some sort of difference in this life. That is what most people take into consideration when choosing a career. For many, the work they choose to take on defines who they are, whether that be a computer programmer, a doctor, a mechanic, a teacher, or something else. Some occupations indirectly bring benefit to people (i.e. produce growers and ranchers, factory workers, power company employees, etc.) while other professions can bring one into very DIRECT CONTACT with others (i.e. doctors and nurses, counselors, social workers, etc.). Though today’s society may tend to hold higher esteem for a doctor than for a laundry worker, is that necessarily the focus shared by God?

If our life is truly defined as being a Christian, where is the emphasis placed? Is it centered on the ways in which we can most TOUCH THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN DIRECT WAYS? Certainly that would be the result of serving as salt and light to those around us. ( Matthew 5:13-16). I find it interesting what Jesus chose to focus on in one of His judgment day parables.

We read…
“(34) Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (35) For I was hungry and YOU GAVE ME FOOD, I was thirsty and YOU GAVE ME DRINK, I was a stranger and YOU WELCOMED ME, (36) I was naked and YOU CLOTHED ME, I was sick and YOU VISITED ME, I was in prison and YOU CAME TO ME.’ (37) Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? (38) And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? (39) And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ (40) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BROTHERS, YOU DID IT TO ME.’” ( Matthew 25:34-40 ESV)

There is a glimpse into the mind of God regarding some things that matter; works that make a difference not only for others, but for our own selves as well. Not that any of this merits our salvation, but rather each one of these can be a demonstration of the genuineness of our relationship to Jesus and the Christ-likeness that permeates our being. There is just no substitute for THE PERSONAL TOUCH as we interact with those around us.

God has given other commands which are not to be ignored. However, Jesus ’ teaching in the above passage implies we are expected to CONNECT WITH OTHERS in meaningful and practical ways. These are things we each can do; significant works which glorify our Lord. May “servants” seeking to glorify and please Christ become the thing that defines our daily life.

Have a great day SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITIES TO TOUCH OTHERS!
Carl

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