Changing the World

What is going on in our country, and not only in our country but in the greater world at large? Same sex “marriage” is now the law of the land here in the US. The European Union is on the verge of falling apart due to rampant debt by Greece. China (the powerhouse of the orient) is having a significant economic and financial meltdown as the power of greed starts to exact its heavy price on the markets there.  So many terrible changes in such a short time! Are these changes just a recent trend, or is there something else to consider? Is there, as followers of Christ, anything we can do to stem the tide of trouble and uncertainty we see unfolding right before our eyes? We need to see some change in the direction this world is going, and it’s up to us as agents for Christ to enact that change. We are called to be actively involved in changing the world!

Events like these are nothing new. Mankind has been experiencing the same continuing degradation of society since society was established after the Fall. These things happen because of one common factor – men and women don’t follow Christ. The trends we see in the US and elsewhere are just symptoms of a deeper problem; hearts and minds acting on impulses which are at variance with God and His Word! So how can we enact the change we so desperately want to see?

Christians by and large want to take part in changing the world. Some believers get involved in politics, thinking if they get ‘the right person for the job’ elected then things will get better. Others become involved in finance and industry, assuming that funding Christian movements and organizations will provide the change we desire. We write letters. We blog. We show up at PTA and school board meetings. We take part in protests. While all these activities are important, in-and-of themselves they are not the primary way Christ has established for changing the world.

Changing the world isn’t as complicated as some people make it out to be. While getting involved in local public activity is good, there is a better way. That ‘better way’ is outlined by Jesus Himself;

Matt 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Did you notice that He never said to simply go tell people about Him? He wants us to do something much more effective. What He wants us to do is to make disciples.

People need a change of heart – a new outlook on life. That new outlook can only come through the New Birth. The New Birth can only come through someone hearing the gospel. And how do the overwhelming majority of people hear about the gospel? They hear it from, and see it through the lives of, individual Christians they know.

As we consistently practice godliness, others will see the difference that Christ has made in our lives (Matt 5:14-16; 1 Peter 3:1-4). As they see the power of God effectively at work in us, they will be drawn by the same Holy Spirit Who worked on our hearts. As we share Christ with those we know (and, more importantly, those who know us) the Spirit of God will provide opportunity to make disciples! By consistently living the principles of Christ, we prove to the world that He is alive, and that He shares His life with all those who call upon Him. We become a source of hope; because He lives, they can live also!

The power of God is available for us to reach this lost and perishing world, but we need to begin reaching out to those around us in a personal way. Demonstrating the love of God at work in us enables opportunities for the Holy Spirit to reach the lost. We can have a huge impact in changing the world – one life at a time.