How to Change the World

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had a ministry of just a few short years that literally changed the world. What was His plan? I think the key is found in Mark 3:14 “And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.” Jesus multiplied Himself in the lives of His disciples. How did He do it? Day after day, He lived the life of God in their presence, all the while intending to send them forth to proclaim what they had seen and heard. How did it work? Well, Acts 4:13 gives us a fairly good answer to that question, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

Much of what is extolled today is ministry in mass, and the greater the mass attending the ministry; the more notoriety it receives. While we understand that large ministry events have their place and meet certain needs, we should also be aware that they are not the most productive means of furthering the kingdom of God. The impact of personal discipleship is still unsurpassed when it comes to personal growth.

Think for a moment about some of the struggles you face on the job, or in your home. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a mentor to walk with you through life, to give you wise biblical advice for each difficulty you face? Imagine having someone who is genuinely concerned and spiritually equipped to help you with the problems you face in your marriage, with your children, financial decisions, time pressures, extended family issues, and those difficult people at work; let alone the various theological questions along the way. What an impact this would have on a new believer’s life!

If we know this to be so, where is the glitch? Mainly this, those who have the time, don’t think they need the help and those who need to help, don’t think they have the time. What a troublesome dilemma.

If you need some help to grow in grace, do something to make your need known. And if God has given you an understanding of His Word and years of valuable experience, look for opportunities to invest your life. Jesus only had three years to change the world; He chose to invest most of it with a handful of men. How much more mature would believers be today if we did the same?