Wednesday, February 1, 2017

What would you say is one thing you’d like to change in the world? Are you doing anything about it?

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Works Appointed for You

Did you know that God long ago preordained or appointed things for us to do to make a difference in the world? If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and what are you doing about it today? For one thing, I know it’s not God’s will that anyone perish outside of faith in Christ (2 Peter 3:9), and God doesn’t take any pleasure at all in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 32). We can change the world by entering into the harvest of human souls for Christ and His glory. We can change the world by praying for God to send forth more laborers to enter into the harvest with us because the harvest is so great (Luke 10:2). We know that’s God’s will, and we know it can change the world, even if it’s one soul at a time.

Producing Fruit Appointed to Us

Jesus clears up the misconception that we choose Him. Rather, He chose us and and appointed us to bear fruit (John 15:16). This fruit-bearing will glorify God and will change those around us. If others see this fruit, they might have the hunger for it, and we can point them to the Vine, as Jesus is the vine Who produced the fruit in us. If they crave this fruit, maybe they’ll seek out the Vine. They too can be attached and produce fruit to eternal life, which will in turn draw more people to the Vine. No one can produce any fruit unless they are attached to this True Vine (John 15:1, 5) but will be cast into the fire (John 15:6). That’s what God has purposed for us. It not only changes us but can change those around us, which can change the world, even if it’s in your little corner of the world.

Vessels Appointed by God

In Paul’s last letter written to Timothy, Paul tells him that those who are cleansed by God can be instruments for special purposes and can be useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work (2 Timothy 2:21). Paul’s point is that we can be useful vessels of God for different good works in this world, and any good done for the Master will change the world, even if it’s in small ways, but that’s okay. There are many things you can do to change the world such as feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, visiting the sick and those in prison (Matthew 25:42-44). Once again, let me ask you: What would you say is one thing you’d like to change in the world? If you’ve identified what that is–and there are plenty of things you can do to help change the world–are you doing anything about it?  I ask myself the same question.

A Closing Prayer

Great Creator God in heaven, help me to find at least one good thing I can do to change the world, even if it’s in the place where I live or work. I need Your Spirit’s help to change the world because I cannot change anything by myself. In Jesus’ name I pray for Your help.

Amen

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