Everyday we have opportunities to make a difference by helping the people around us, but so often we overlook these opportunities and miss out on what God may be trying to do for others through us.

Why?  Because we live most of our life focused on ourselves.  I realized how selfish I can be at times after a frustrating experience where I had to put my agenda on hold to tend to the needs of someone else who was hurting.

SELF CENTERED LIVING

It’s so easy to get caught up in our own busy lives and day-to-day routines that we can become insensitive to Gods promptings, missing out on valuable opportunities to help people.

“Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” – Danny Thomas

Philippians 2:3-4 says it plainly, “In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide.  Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves.  Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.”

BORN TO SHINE

You were born to make a difference in this world, so shine!  Not to spotlight yourself, but to be a light that shines for others to see the good things you do so they can find their way to Jesus!

Matthew 5:14-16 says,  “You are the light that gives light to the world.  A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden.  And people don’t hide a light under a bowl.  They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house.  In the same way, you should be a light for other people.  Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

REACHING THE BROKEN

I challenge you to stop for a moment and notice your surroundings!  Reach out to the cashier at the grocery store that needs your smile to get through the day!  Your neighbors may need your comforting friendship during their time of loss!  Or maybe your coworker who needs your encouraging support to get through a divorce.  Our communities are full of people who have shattered dreams, broken hearts and even some who have lost all hope and may be living life without a real purpose! 

TAKE ACTION

We’ve wasted so much time holding back from taking action and reaching out to hurting people because we feel that our efforts don’t really make a significant difference.  DECIDE NOW to live a life of purpose, knowing that you were created to be the hands and feet of Jesus to this world!  BELIEVE that God will always step in and direct you to the people He wants you to help.  Stop procrastinating, just GO!

Imagine the impact we could make in our communities if we all would take the time to notice our surroundings and begin to have compassion for the hurting.  This world would truly be a better place.