Circuit Thoughts

You have probably heard this story before.

I do not know the original source, but it goes something like this: A grandfather and his grandson were walking along the shore after the tide went out. All along the shore were sand dollars. These small relations to starfish were brought in by the tide but were unable to ride the tide out.

As they were walking along, the grandfather would pick a sand dollar and throw it into the surf. Finally, after walking and throwing the grandson asked, “Why are you throwing these sand dollars into the sea?’ The grandfather responded, “I am saving them, they can only survive by being in the water.”

The grandson said, “But there are too many of them, you will not make a difference.” To this the grandfather looked at his grandson and smiled, as he threw the sand dollar into the surf, “To that one, I made all the difference in the world.”

As I was reminded of this story, I was also following the news of Afghanistan and the reports of the churches in that country. The news was neither good, nor hopeful. As I explored these thoughts, I started thinking of all the souls needing to know Jesus, and then wondering about my part in all of this. There are so many hurting and dying. There are so many who are wandering and lost. What possible difference can I make? Then I realized that to the one person I share Christ with, all the difference is the world was made.

We are not called to save the world; we are called to simply make disciples. Yes, we are supposed to go to the whole world, but that is not up to just one person. We are part of a body, the body of Christ. As a part of the body, we make a difference where we are.

Salvation is God’s act through Christ and the Holy Spirit. It is not our job to save the world, it is merely our job to share the Good News of Christ. It really isn’t that overwhelming.

So, here is what you do. Get to church, whether it is online or in person. Get involved in a Bible Study and prayer group. Start learning and growing in your faith. And then talk about it.

Yes, talk about Christ. Stay away from politics or sports, because people will see your frustration and anger if you aren’t careful. Stay focused on sharing the good stuff, the blessings and the grace God has shown you. Let people know that all this bad is not what life is all about.

Above all else, pray. Yes, pray for the people who don’t know Christ, pray for those who know of Christ, but haven’t accepted him as their Lord and Savior. Pray for the enemies of the faith, that they may see the light. Pray for the church both here and abroad, for it is being attacked by the physical and spiritual world. Pray for those who you disagree with. Pray for our leaders in industry, politics, and church. Pray for each other.

God is making a difference. Let him make a difference through us.

See you in church.