Let me start by asking you a question: How often do you go mad? By that, I mean, how often do you Make A Difference? If you were removed from your workplace, family, or community, would anyone notice? This is a crucial question because making a difference is what we are called to do.
Let's turn to the Bible, specifically 2 Peter 1. God's divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him. We are called to add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. If we possess these qualities in increasing measure, we will be effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Peter emphasizes the importance of growth. Think back to where you were a year ago. Have you grown in your faith and expression of Jesus? Adding to our faith requires effort. It's not just about lying back and letting God do everything. There's a balance between God's power and our responsibility to grow. Imagine packing everything your child needs for a camp, but they come back having used none of it. Similarly, God has given us everything we need in Jesus, but we must unpack and use it.
In practical terms, this means adding to our faith qualities like goodness, wisdom, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. Jesus exemplified these qualities, and we are called to follow His example. For instance, self-control is not just about avoiding addiction but mastering our egos and desires. Perseverance, or stickability, is about being consistent and steady, even in the face of insidious compromise.
Godliness means living with a God-focus, doing everything for God, like God, and with God. One of my friends exemplified this by cleaning a prison cell as if it were for Jesus. This is the kind of godliness we are called to.
In conclusion, making a difference requires effort, growth, and embodying the gospel story. Let's strive to add to our faith and make a lasting impact in our communities and the world.
Key Takeaways
1. The Power of One Great Truth: You don't need to know a lot of things to make a difference; you just need to be mastered by one great truth. Charles Studd's life exemplifies this. He gave up his upper-class life and cricket career to serve in the Congo, and his sacrifice has had a lasting impact. This teaches us that being deeply committed to one great truth can change lives and communities.
2. God Has Given Us Everything We Need: God's divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him. This means we are fully equipped to live a life that makes a difference. However, we must actively unpack and use these divine resources. Just like a packed suitcase for camp, everything we need is there, but it's up to us to use it.
3. Growth and Perseverance: Peter emphasizes the importance of growth in our faith. We are called to increase in measure, not just in the first few years but throughout our lives. This continuous growth prevents us from becoming short-sighted and forgetful, keeping our spiritual urgency and direction intact.
4. Embodiment of the Gospel: To make a difference, we must embody the gospel story, not just be talking heads. Jesus didn't just speak words; He lived them. We are called to weave the gospel story into the lives of our neighbors and the people we interact with daily. This practical application of faith is what truly makes a difference.
5. Qualities to Add to Our Faith: Peter lists qualities like goodness, wisdom, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love that we must add to our faith. These qualities are not just for personal growth but for making a tangible impact in our communities. For example, self-control is about mastering our egos and desires, while perseverance is about being consistent and steady in our faith.
