You Make A Difference

Believe it or not, you will make a difference today in someone's life. I know it's hard to believe that we actually do make a difference. Most of us are just trying to get by, doing the best that we can and we rarely stop to think about whether or not we make a difference. But, YOU actually do...

You are the SALT of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Matt. 5:13)

Salt was extremely valuable and important when Jesus said this. In fact, salt was more valuable than gold in some areas. Why? Because it was used to preserve the food they ate. The presence of salt in the meat and vegetables kept it from spoiling-salt always makes a difference.

So, what difference will you make today or this week? I sometimes think that what I do doesn't matter or that I have to do something spectacular for it to matter. But, I've come to realize that most of the time it's the little things that matter most.

A phone call...
An encouraging email...
Meeting someone for coffee...
Cooking a meal for a family....

This week there are two people that I am going to try to contact to spend some time with them. I am going to reach out to them today and see what God does.

So, what will you do today or this week to make a difference? I'd love to hear from you....

Our Distinguishing Mark

Billions of dollars are spent each year by businesses and individuals trying to "brand" themselves and "distinguish" them from others. What is it the "distinguishing" mark for the Christian? is it the fish on the back of the car? The bumper sticker? Is it our great theology? (And we need to have great theology). None of these are what Jesus talked about. Here's what he said...

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35).

We are to love others in the same way that Jesus loved. He is our example of what love should look like in this world. Jesus made it clear that this is what will tell others we belong to Him. Which also means that if we do not love others, they have the right to say that we are not his disciples. Kind of interesting, isn't it? This means that people who do not claim to follow Jesus can say that we do not follow Him if we aren't loving like He did.

So, the question you and I need to answer is this: Are we loving like He loved? Pretty simple to comprehend and yet very difficult to apply. Based upon words, actions and attitudes, what would others have to say about you and me? Would they know we are His disciples or not???

May we love others well as He loved others well....