How to Make a Difference

Last week I presented the challenge "Be the man." In essence, rather than looking around at what is wrong with modern Christianity and waiting for someone else to make a difference, each of us should accept that challenge. We should determine to be the one who will influence others.

This is a noble and godly desire, (assuming the motives are pure). Practically speaking, however, it is much easier to aspire to such a role than to achieve it in reality. After committing to make a difference in the lives of others, the logical question to follow is "How do I do that?" Since the answer to that question could fill many books, my intent here is to give a only a brief foundation and basic premise to guide the pursuit of "difference-making".

When we think of influencing others, we most often consider public roles or positions of leadership. Those seem to be the most effective and efficient ways to impact large numbers of people. Whether or not God desires us to be in such a role should certainly be part of our prayerful consideration. We must examine whether God is calling us to a full-time ministry, such as the pastorate, the mission field, Christian education, counseling, or some other career position.

While not full-time positions, God also desires many people to serve Him in leadership roles within the local church. Opportunities for service include teaching Sunday school, leading a Bible study, or directing children's church. Churches always need workers for ministries such as hospital visitation, nursing home ministry, vacation Bible school, and outreach programs. There are opportunities to mentor new Christians or young people in the church. We must seek to serve God in these areas as He directs.

Many people will protest that God hasn't called them either to full-time ministry or to an official ministry within the church. While I believe God wants all Christians to serve Him within the church, I also realize there are Christians who will faithfully serve God without ever being in an official full-time ministry or leadership position. (That cannot, however, be an excuse for everyone to assume himself to be one of that group.)

There is a greater point of importance when we consider making a difference in the lives of others. Regardless of whether someone is in a full-time ministry, a specific role of leadership in the church, or the position of an "ordinary" church member, there is a characteristic that must exist if a Christian is to influence others. A Christian who makes a difference is one who has a vibrant relationship with God and who communicates the vitality of that relationship to those around him.

Too many of our church members grew up seeing Christianity as a set of rules to be followed. It was a list of what to do and what not to do (and when, where, and how). There was even a more narrow list used to identify "good" Christians as opposed to worldly or compromising Christians. I believe much of this mentality was well-intentioned, promoted by people who had left dead denominations and wanted to clearly separate from the apostasy. An unfortunate result has been the mass exodus of young people from our churches.

We cannot, therefore, influence others for good merely by presenting them with a list of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. We must show them that there is something deeper and more meaningful than outward actions and appearances. The standards themselves may not be wrong, but they must be motivated by a heart that thrives in a relationship with God. People will be little influenced by a man who academically adheres to a set of rules, but people will be greatly influenced by a Christian who passionately seeks to please the God with whom he has a meaningful, personal relationship.

How is this vibrant relationship communicated to others? First, through our service to God. While service in itself is not a guarantee of a vibrant relationship with God, such a relationship will lead to visible service. Because we love God, we want to do things for Him, and that love will manifest itself in acts of service for Him. When we love God, we will help in the nursery, serve as a greeter, work in the flowerbeds, make a meal, set up chairs, teach a class, head up a committee, and sing in the choir. The list will vary for each person, but our willing service indicates a heart that loves God. Meanwhile, many of these acts of service provide opportunities for directly influencing others in addition to the testimony provided by the service itself.

Second, through our love for others. The more we love God and the more we grow in our relationship with Him, the more we will look like Him. One important part of God's character that is displayed through us is His love for others. Serving others without love for them does not facilitate our being able to influence them. Service performed with love, however, is a powerful factor in making a difference in the lives of others. Love has influence even when expertise or innate ability is lacking. There is little, if anything, that has the power to break down walls than a consistent display of love, especially when the object is not particularly loveable. Relationships built through love provide the channel for influence.

Third, through our demeanor. To a certain extent, we can identify vibrant Christians simply by looking at them. Their sweet walk with God is evidenced by joy and peace. It's much like seeing newlyweds or watching a couple in love. They are so excited by their relationship with each other that their joy breaks forth on their faces. Instead of unattractive lines of anger, bitterness, and rebellion, a vibrant Christian will display the attractive softness of submissive peace and trustful joy. These expressions will be noticeable as he sings, prays, listens to the sermon, and interacts with others.

Fourth, through sharing. This is the area that I believe is the greatest barrier to our influence. Others cannot know about the vibrant relationship with God that drives us if we do not allow it to shine through and if we do not give it an outlet for expression. We must be open about our spiritual life. We need to pray with others, discuss spiritual topics, and talk about what God is doing in our lives. We need to share testimonies, recount spiritual victories, and talk about answers to prayer. Many Christians remain largely unaware that a deeper relationship with God is possible because no one has shown them what the journey toward that relationship looks like.

Do we desire to encourage and inspire others to pursue a deeper relationship with God? We cannot do that by focusing on the externals. Instead, we must be willing to share and demonstrate the internals that produce what is seen on the outside. We must let others know the difference that a vibrant relationship with God can make.

"Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul." Psalm 66:16 (NASB)