Oh, how we need a difference made in our world today. It is disheartening to see fires, earthquakes, destabilization of countries, evil, and exploitation. Add all that to the pandemic, and I think it is fair to say we are living in a time of great woe!
But I remind myself, as I remind you, that we need not look at the world in despair; we should look to see what they need. They need Christ! And God has tasked us with that assignment. As his ambassadors, we have a different hope, a different purpose, a different message, a different mindset, and a different destination!
Through His Spirit, we live in hope of the fulfillment of His word. I love Psalm 119:49, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope." God's word tells us how this old world will play out, and yet it gives us hope as overcomers, and we rest ourselves solidly in the promises of God and His word, which shall never pass away.
Our purpose is to serve and glorify Christ. Colossians 3:23 reads, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." That is our purpose. And His purpose? God's will is that all be saved. And He works all things according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:11). This gives us confidence and a measure by which we can base decisions and determine direction.
We have a message of love, forgiveness, and salvation. John 3:16 rings true. The love of God is still there for every human being. No matter what ethnicity or religious persuasion, God offers salvation through His Son to those who will call upon him. Our job is to proclaim this message.
We work from a mindset of care and compassion, for this is the way of Christ. "He was kind to the unthankful and to the evil" (Luke 6:35). He requires from us a different response to enemies. (Matthew 5:44). We walk that extra mile and offer that cup of cold water that He might be lifted up, and all men be drawn to Him.
And we have a solid assurance of heaven (1 John 5:11-13). Paul wrote, "To live is Christ, to die is gain" (Philippians 1:19). Our destination is secure in Christ.
The world has none of this. They have no voice or guide pointing them to hope; they live in anger, guilt, and fear. They do not know the assurance of heaven or the purpose of God. Their god comes to destroy. Our God comes to seek and save. And, they do not work from a mindset of care and compassion, only exploitation and greed.
But they can be different - if we will share the Good News, find the courage to act in love, and reach out instead of running in fear.
Christian, be fervently on your knees. Prepare your heart to share your faith. Live in a way that exhibits hope and confidence in Christ. Let your light shine and be different from the world around you!
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