Articles
Making A Difference
We all make a difference, but what difference will we make? Peter and Jude write about Balaam and Cain. They both made a difference, but a negative one. On the other hand, people of faith, like those in Hebrews 11, all made positive differences. Both groups had one thing in common: they had all sinned. They had all made bad choices. But those in Hebrews 11 chose faith instead of rebellion.
Surely, we realize that bad people and righteous people are still people. No one is sinless. It is the love of God that compels the righteous. It is the Prince of darkness that rules the evil. The question is not, “will I mess up?” The question is, “Once I mess up, how do I respond?”
No marriage is perfect. Marriages are comprised of people, people who sin and people who make bad choices. Husbands and wives make a difference, but what kind of difference will I, as a husband, make? Do I awake each morning asking, “What good can I do for her today?”, or do I ask, “What will she do for me?” Husbands are men. Wives are women. Men and women think differently. Biologically they are different. Though different, they can each make choices that build their marriage rather than destroy it. Am I making a difference that will produce growth for my mate? Am I living with her with understanding? Do I understand her wants, wishes, dreams, and goals? What difference am I making?
No parent and child relationship is perfect. Being a parent is hard. It takes work. It requires selfless love. Also, being a child is difficult. It is not easy dealing with hormones. It is not easy learning lessons of life. Both make choices. Both will make a difference. What difference will we make? It is an oversimplification to say, “Parents be the parents and children you be the child.” Rather, we need the attitude that says, “You are my child. You are worth everything it will require of me to supply for your growth and well-being.” As a child, it may be beneficial to realize you are learning life. You are learning right and wrong. Being a parent and being a child can be frustrating, but it does not have to be that way. Both will make a difference. What difference am I making as a parent? As a child? The greater challenge is not when the child is in diapers, but when they begin to exercise their own free will. The greater is the responsibility then also.
No local church is perfect. Congregations are made up of people. People who walked away from God but have been saved by grace and the blood of Jesus. All are blood-washed. No one deserves to be with the Lord. Each person in the fellowship makes a difference, whether big or small. Each one can choose the attitude of Christ or spirit of Satan. Most local churches are not ripped apart because of some doctrinal error. Most are ripped apart because someone made a difference, and the difference was not good. On the other hand, it is not rare to find in a congregation that one person serving as the glue that holds the group together. That one makes all the difference in the world. Which one will I be?
If we all make a difference, why not make a difference for the good of others? If we make a difference for the good of others, we will be making a difference for ourselves, too. Be the one who makes all the difference for good!
Rickie Jenkins
