There is a Difference
Today’s Verse:
And of some have compassion, making a difference: ~Jude 1:22
As consumers we are given to making comparisons about different things. When we eat at restaurants or stay at hotels, the differences between very good and not so good are quite noticeable. We will find ourselves making a comparison and saying, “what a difference!” That’s how the testimony of the Christian should be in this world. It should be so compelling for Christ that people who have been affected will say “what a difference!” Would you consider some things we do that makes a difference?
Passion makes a difference.
“And of some having compassion, making a difference.” Passion is a vibrant desire that we have for someone or something. Passion is what we put all of our heart into. Passion is what we think about and live for. Passion is what motivates us and results in us giving our best. Passion is contagious. Passion draws people to what we do. Passion builds movements. Passion results in souls being saved. Passion builds churches. Do you have passion for the Lord? Do you have passion for people?
Participation makes a difference.
One day an old man was walking along the beach. It was low tide, and the sand was littered with thousands of stranded starfish that the water had carried in and then left behind. The man began walking very carefully so as not to step on any of the beautiful creatures. Since the animals still seemed to be alive, he considered picking some of them up and putting them back in the water, where they could resume their lives. The man knew the starfish would die if left on the beach's dry sand but he reasoned that he could not possibly help them all, so he chose to do nothing and continued walking. Soon afterward, the man came upon a small child on the beach who was frantically throwing one starfish after another back into the sea. The old man stopped and asked the child, "What are you doing?" "I'm saving the starfish," the child replied. "Why waste your time?... There are so many you can't save them all: so what does it matter?" argued the man. Without hesitation, the child picked up another starfish and tossed the starfish back into the water... "It matters to this one," the child explained. The little boy did his part. Participation indicates your involvement and belief in something. It represents that you believe that what you do matters. Are you a participant or a spectator?
Perseverance makes a difference.
Acts 14:3 says of Paul and Barnabas, “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” If you stay at something, it shows that you have commitment. Persevering means that you will not be easily discouraged. It means that you will weather the storms along the way. It means that slowness in results does not slow you down. It means that you will work hard, be creative, pray much, and have faith in God. Long time abode Paul and Barnabas. Be committed to what you do! Stay at it and do not let setbacks keep you from seeing a project through.
When passion, participation and perseverance work together, those we are serving cannot help but say “what a difference.” Differences are only made when we go the extra mile and do more than others do.
Let’s make a difference this God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 20-21