Faith That Makes A Difference

"Today's Devotion" For June 18, 2005

Read: John 7:37-53; Psalm 40

FAITH THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

"Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within them." (Jn. 7:38)

We all hear people talk about how they want to "make a difference," but very rarely does that sentiment go very far. In my own life I've heard that statement a lot, but for the most part, those who have made it to me have settled down into their "comfort zones" and did nothing more. At the same time, many of those same people unwittingly "make a difference" because of how they live their lives, raise their children, take care of their families, share their faith, spend time with God, and just live as it is a Christian, filled with the light of Christ's love will live. So often those who want to "make a difference" don't see "making a difference" as being something they do in their daily lives, but rather as some extraordinary, world-shattering activity that changes the lives of others or improves society. For the most part, living a faithful Christian life of faith in Jesus, and all that means, doesn't seem to be enough for so many people.

At the same time as I say this, let me also suggest that our Father in heaven has given us a myriad of spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities with which to serve Him and others in Jesus' name. Jesus' own parables, such as the "Parable of the Talents" (Mt. 25), are a continuing source of insights as to the results of faith-filled living in Him and for Him in the world. Our Lord challenges us to "make a difference" through faithfully living our faith each day as we touch the lives of others, raise our families, do our jobs, talk to others, and pray for those in need. We are challenged to "make a difference" by being faithful to Jesus, putting Him first in our lives, and being a blessing to others in Him. All, too often, however, we don't see such living as "making a difference." Our own egos and need for recognition, as well as the idea the world has planted in our minds that to "make a difference" means accomplishing a "sea change" in some area of human endeavor or need keep us from seeing the incredible value faith-filled living makes every day in the lives of others.

The spiritual thirst that exists in the world is great. It exists in us as well. Because we get caught up in the world's idea of what "making a difference" is all about, too often we ignore both the world's and our own spiritual thirst. In the face of such a challenge and need, our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to come to Him and receive spiritual drink for our spiritual thirst. He opens our hearts by the power of His Word and Spirit so that the "living water" of His Word and the Sacraments can strengthen our faith and life in Him. Through the means of grace a big river of God's love flows into our hearts. From out of our hearts, initiated by the Gospel, come multiple streams of "living water" flowing in all directions, reaching out to others with that same Gospel. God uses us as channels, pipelines, rivers for His love to reach others. As "living rivers" for Jesus, each of us is empowered to "make a difference" as we touch the lives of others with His love. By God's grace we have a "Faith that makes a difference."

Prayer: Father, I'm so very grateful for Your blessings to me in Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. You understood my spiritual thirst and need and by the power of Your Word and Spirit brought me into the Kingdom of Your Grace so that my thirst would be quenched and my live renewed. Father, keep me ever thirsting for Your Word and the forgiveness it reveals to me. Help me to be always ready to let that Word flow out of me to others so that they, too, can experience the marvelous wonders of Your grace. Show me, each day, how my faith-filled living in Jesus can truly "make a difference" in the lives of others, not necessarily for "sea change" on earth, but for eternal life with You in heaven. In Jesus' most holy and precious name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.