Making a Difference

Some of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior; still others have a gift for caring for God's people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God.

Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God's people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity, until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Savior, God's Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord - yes, to the point of being full with Christ.

Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different, or has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all times - speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly - and so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church. Under his direction the whole body is fitted together perfectly, and each part in its own special way helps the other parts, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Ephesians 4:11-16 (TLB)

The year 2020 may have come to an end, but it will not be easily forgotten. It was a year that brought horrific pain, loss, and change in the lives of many.

But the pandemic also brought positive change. Working from home helped some people realize that they have missed spending time with family and friends. Many who used to spend hours working late have started to appreciate a better balance between work and home life. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of mental health, so often neglected in a highly competitive society.

Seeing so many people suffering from the effects of the pandemic, Agnes Wee, from Singapore, has strongly felt the call to join mental health volunteers to help others overcome their adversity. Sometimes, a listening ear or an encouraging word can make a positive difference in someone's life. In Ephesians 4:11-16, God calls on different people to come together to provide works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up, as each part does its work in love.

God can turn ashes into beauty through people from all walks of life banding together in love to make a difference in the lives of others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the different talents you have given to each of us and for opportunities to use them to make a difference, in Jesus' name. Amen.