On Earth...

In Matt. 6:10, Jesus calls us to pray with words like this: "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven." "On earth..." messages are the reflection of various local writers sharing common experiences in daily living and then guiding renewal of the mind and spirit from God's Word. It is scheduled to appear on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Change the World

Part 2

By Ronald K. Denlinger

[December 22, 2007]  Fill a bucket of water. Take a good look at it. Now, immerse your hand in the water. Leave it there for a minute or two, and then remove your hand from the bucket. Take another careful look at the water and ask yourself this question: How much difference has your hand made by being there?

For a short period of time each of us walk this earth. We consume. We work. We play. We build relationships with other people. And it all can seem so important and vital at times; and yet, how much difference will remain after we are gone?

Most people would agree that Jesus Christ changed the world. They would agree whether or not he is their hero, whether or not they like all the changes he has brought about. One proof of his having changed the world is in the number of people who claim their world has been changed for the better by his coming.

Christmas is a celebration of this one who came and made a difference in our world. Amazingly that was 2000 years ago that he had his "hand in the bucket of water," and it was for such a short period of time. How is it that he made such an impact and his influence continues?

The answer is… interesting and thought-provoking. In some ways he is here more now than he ever has been. He told his disciples that it would be better if he were to go than remain. If he were to go, then he would send a Comforter. If he left, greater things would be accomplished because he would be "in" his disciples. It is kind of like the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes -- so many more would be fed and touched by God.

In other words, he was God puttin' on skin and walkin' among men (that was then), and now he lives within those who receive him as Lord and Savior. Even though his image in us is not as clear as we would like it to be, many more people now get a look at Jesus because of us.

Jesus Christ changes the world by (and through) his presence within his disciples. If that is true, then isn't it also true that the way in which we will have the most success in being world-changers is if we work in cooperation with his amazing strategy?

By the way, maybe it should go without saying, but just in case… Of all who claim to live out the life of Jesus, not all have his life within them, nor do all follow his plan for ministry.

In the revelation of the secret of his success (long before he became "successful"), Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 (NIV)

Jesus came into our world for the express purpose of being with us (pitching his tent and living among us) and of serving us. If we wish to continue in this vein, we will also come close enough to people to make a difference, to understand their needs and to serve them (sometimes in a significantly sacrificial way).

If an individual hasn't made a profound difference in the life of another person, can he say he has changed the world?

If one accumulates lots of wealth but never uses it to transform anyone's situation over the long haul, has he done anything of significance?

If a person becomes famous and has lots of adoring fans -- such as a star -- though claiming to promote good causes, if he is not touching lives in a personal way through service, he has merely created a pack of "wannabes."

And how much has the "bucket of water" been affected?

Jesus came in order to serve. That was his whole life here on earth. And Jesus shows us the extent to which he served, the ultimate purpose of his coming, that he would give his life as a ransom for many.

When you look at your life with all of its activities, does it add up to service? Or is it more about comfort, pleasure, prestige and security?

As we think about Jesus coming into the world, putting on humanity, touching our lives, we are faced with a challenge -- to do something of what Jesus did. As Jesus came into our world, let's enter into the world of others in a spirit of service. It is the way in which we can make a lasting difference -- Jesus using us to help to change someone's world.

[By RONALD K. DENLINGER, Lincoln Bible Church]

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