For example… do you consider yourself as an encourager? What kind of encourager? Do you placate or condescend or commiserate… or do you empathize? The latter is the preferred the former 3 are easily detected by another. When you encourage another do you do so based in the will of the Father as shown in His word? Or do you rely on your experiences, your understandings, you?!
It isn’t the size of your action or words or even a choice to make a difference that’s relevant – it’s the fact of. What KIND of difference do you want to make in your world? Making a positive difference isn’t always popular. Depending on what you do and how you go about it speaks the loudest. WE all make a difference in our world simply by being in it. The question is what kind of difference do we want to make.
Another example… are you a leader? What kind of leader – inclusive or benevolent dictator? Do you try and help your team grow as a team, have ownership over what the goal is? Are you teaching as you lead/direct? Is everything based in how Jesus led, as your model? I could continue but I think you understand my point. We all are given gifts by the Holy Spirit and they aren’t ours for ourself but for others to help them in their journey. Thus… we need to know our gift, grow in it, and express it.
“Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ whom you [actually] serve.” [Colossians 3:23-24]
At first glance you may wonder why I chose these verses. Because, this is our motivation, our foundation in whatever we do…… at least it should be, essentially our ‘why’. Sometimes making a difference is as gentle as standing up for what is right. Just doing it! Not yelling from the rooftops and not focusing on inflammatory rhetoric but in the doing of what needs to be done rather than going along with the mob or seeking acclamation from others. Sometimes it’s a smile, sometimes a hand on the shoulder, sometimes just a nod of understanding. But do know… even standing expressionless and motionless we always make a difference. The only question is … is this the difference we want to make?
