Do You Desire to Make a Difference?
“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them”. John 13:17
Jesus had just finished washing the feet of His disciples as an example of the kind of humble servants which they should become. When we obey the Lord and follow His example, we become the recipients of a joy that cannot be duplicated in any other way. Have you ever had your feet washed by another person as an act of humble service? It is humbling to wash the feet of another person, but it is more humbling to be the one whose feet are washed. It makes the recipient feel unworthy to have this service done to him or her just like Peter felt when he exclaimed that Jesus would never wash his feet. Remember, though, the phrase “never say never”? Jesus told Peter that if he would not allow Him to wash his feet, he would not be included in Jesus’ mission, and Peter freaked out. He wanted to do nothing that would jeopardize his relationship with the Lord. To allow Jesus to wash his feet was an act of obedience. He was so shaken by Jesus’ statement that he asked Jesus to wash not only his feet, but his head, and his hands, but Jesus indicated that there was no need to wash his head and hands for he had already been justified by his belief in Jesus. The act of Jesus washing his feet was to show His love for Peter.
In light of the fact that Jesus displayed this humble act of service for His disciples to set an example for believers, I have listed several ways in which believers can live to make a difference in the lives of not only themselves, but others as well. 1.) Live one day at a time. Humans are prone to attempt to live in the future. What I mean by that is that we are constantly thinking about the next day, the next week, the next month, and so on. We tend to forget that today is the only day that we have, and we need to make the best of today. Assuming we will still be living tomorrow, it will come soon enough. 2.) Don’t worry about things over which you have no control. By the way, don’t worry about things over which you do have control. In that case, do what you can to improve the situation and leave the results to the Lord.
3.) Don’t forget about the shut-ins, the sick, and the bereaved. It is very disheartening to think that one has been forgotten. A visit, a phone call, or a card can brighten someone’s day. We become so busy with our day that we tend to forget those who can’t get out and do the things that we enjoy. Try to put yourself in their place. How would you feel if you felt forgotten and that no one cared? 4.) Strive for excellence in everything you do–whether it’s mopping floors or running a huge company. Just remember that Jesus is our ultimate boss. 5.) Always be honest with yourself and with others and tell the truth. Sometimes the truth hurts, but I had rather be told the truth than a lie and then find out later that I was lied to. The latter can cause long-term problems between two people, but the former can actually help to strengthen relationships if the truth is told in a loving and caring manner.
6.) This is one that can make a real difference in people’s lives: get yourself off of your mind and go find someone to bless. This goes along with what Jesus said about denying oneself (Luke 9:23). It is pretty important for Jesus said that is what we must do if we are going to follow Him. 7.) Give more than is required. Give more of your resources, your time, and your talents to the upbuilding of God’s kingdom. The gospel is free, but it costs money to spread it across the globe. I’d rather give money to the Lord than to the IRS! 8.) Study God’s word as if your life depends on it because it does! Work for the Lord as if it all depends on you and pray like it all depends on the Lord. If one person completely committed to Christ can make a difference in this world, imagine how thousands of us can. Let’s all strive to be part of those thousands. But even if we feel all alone like a little fish in a big pond, and we don’t have the backing of others around us, we have Jesus’ support, and that makes all the difference in the world.