Monday, February 16, 2015

Commission: Transform

In which I give you one of my favorite things.


 Time for a little math: 
Jillian+weekend+busy+sick=No blog post.

 Technically, that's not altogether true because this is a blog post...but it's something I promised myself I would not do too often...stick up a favorite quote and not write anything original.

 I was going to list all the things I have on my plate right now, but that seemed...kind of like a teenagers Facebook post where they are trying to complain/brag at the same time. Ick (Inwardly gags).  May it never be. (Too late. I now realize that's what last Mondays post had in it. Sorry. No really, I apologize.)

 You might be seeing a few of these "unoriginal" little posts over the next few weeks. But really, this is a beautiful quote,and although its missing any references to God or the christian life, the great commission is what I have in mind when I read it. I pray it inspires you like it does me:


People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I've noticed something about people who make a difference in the world. They hold to the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, treat one wound. They aren't determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they  are satisfied with small changes


Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world. People who want to make a difference get frustrated along the way but if they have a particularly stressful day, they don't quite, they keep going. Given their accomplishments, most of them are shockingly normal and the way they spend each day can be quite mundane. 

They don't teach grand lessons that suddenly enlighten entire communities, they teach small lessons that can bring incremental improvement to one man or woman, boy or girl. They don't do anything to call attention to themselves, they simply pay attention to the everyday needs of others if its only one person


They bring change in ways most people will never read about or applaud. And because of the way these changers wired, they wouldn't think about living their lives any other way. 

Beth Clark, Kisses From Katie

4 comments:

  1. There's a lot of truth to that. In my opinion, a welcome viewpoint on the whole "you can change the world" mantra. I guess I just have one question:

    -What is the motivation/belief that precedes the "unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters"?

    The answer to that question determines everything.

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    Replies
    1. A very good question indeed. My answer, though perhaps not a well studied or thought out answer, would be this: John 3:16. God so loved the world. Jesus gave his life. God created each and every individual, knit us all in our mothers wombs. Each one is important. Gods love, is, Lord willing, my love. Did you read my post on why we must get up every morning? I think you will find my motive there.

      Now, we could get into that whole sticky subject of predestination. How am I supposed to know which ones are going to heaven and which ones aren't? I don't know that. Does that change how I treat different people? Not at all. Only God knows their heart.
      I only know what He instructed us, as Christians, to do in the Bible. To proclaim the Good News, to Love the Lord, and to Love My Neighbor as myself. "My neighbor", to me, means every human being. Every individual. As far as I know, the Bible does not specify that those "neighbors", so to speak, as " only Christians", or only "good people."

      Thank you for that thought provoking question, Emily. I appreciated it.

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  2. Aye; well said. - Becca Lee

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