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WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

(Introduction to 2011 Theme)
Galatians 5:22-25
January 16, 2011

    A Missionary from a primitive culture was speaking and a man asked, “How do you tell people that they need to be saved from their sins?

    The Missionary replied, “We never try to break down doors.  Instead, we wait for a door to open.  Our church has about fifty members now, and when someone sees a difference in us and inquires about it, that’s an open door.”

    Then he continued, “Some Americans tell us that they witness by handing complete strangers a piece of paper that explains the gospel and then walking away.  But it’s not that easy here.  Your life must be different enough to open the door, or you must keep your mouth shut.

    “In fact, when the first Missionary came to our country, he was not trusted.  So he didn’t preach.  He just bought some  land, built a home and began to farm.  It took almost two years for someone to ask him why he was different.  He led that man to Christ and the church began.”

    The questioner was still puzzled and asked, “But what differences would the people of the village see in you and your members?

    The Missionary said, “We are honest in our trade.  We don’t use drugs or alcohol.  Fathers don’t beat their wives or children.  Our young people are respectful. We don’t get angry and shun our neighbors. We share our time and possessions without expectation of return. .”

    The missionary concluded with these words: “In our little corner of the world, we’ve learned a very important spiritual principal: We’ve learned that the one indisputable argument against doubters, is a Christ-like person.

    Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt.  5:14a & 16).

    So, what difference does your faith make in your daily life? 

    A salvation experience brings several gifts of grace.  As a new Christian, you now have acceptance, love and value.  You have security, forgiveness and guidance.  You have support, purpose and hope.

    Now these aren’t just idle words.  They aren’t just abstract doctrines.  Instead, they are absolute necessities that fill vital human needs.  Having our deep needs filled should cause some very real changes in our attitudes and actions.

    But, are you actually benefitting from these gifts?  Are they giving you peace, joy and fulfillment.  Furthermore, are you Passing on these benefits to others?  Paul says, “God comforts and encourages us . . . so that we may be able to comfort and encourage others ”  (2 Cor.  1:4, amp)..

    Are you letting your faith affect your life and your relationships in a positive way?

    For instance, if you’re married, are you a better spouse because you’re a Christian?  Paul said, “The husband should give his wife all that he owes her as his wife. And the wife should give her husband all that she owes him as her husband” (1 Cor.  7:3, edb).

    Furthermore, in a day when marriages were not always based on love, he said, “Husbands, love your wives . . .” (Eph.  5:25a).

    Paul was also practical.  He said,  “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim.  5:8).

    Physical needs must be filled.  This includes being industriousness and bringing home a paycheck.  So as Christian husbands and wives you will care for each other.  You will show respect for each other, and you will reflect the love God has shown you in your behavior toward your mate.

    If you have children, are you a better parent because you are a Christian?  Solomon said, “The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him” (Prov.  20:7).

    He also said, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Prov.  22:6);

        Paul said, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph.  6:4).

    So, as Christian parents you will be moral examples and role models.  You will bring your children to church for Bible Study and worship.

    Your discipline will be consistent but fair.  You will never shame or demean your children.

    If you have a job, are you a better employee because you are a Christian?  The writer of Ecclesiastes said, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might . . .” (Ecc.  9:10a).

    Paul said, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” 12:11);

    “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Col.  3:23).

    So, as Christian employees you must be good workers.  You must be diligent and accountable.  Remember, as a witness, your actions are more powerful than your words!

    If you have acquaintances, are you a better friend and neighbor because you are a Christian?  Solomon said, “A friend loves at all times” (Prov.  17:17a).

    Jesus said, “Do not judge . . . Do not condemn . . . Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

    He also said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

    So, as Christian friends and neighbors you will be helpful, kind and encouraging.  You won’t judge, criticize and gossip.  You will overlook slights and extend forgiveness.

    If you live in America, are you a better citizen because you are a Christian?  The writer of Chronicles said, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chron.  7:14);

    Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God . . .” (Matt.  5:9, 25).

    Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”  (Rom.  12:18);

    “I urge, then . . . that . . . prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for . . . those in authority . . .” (1 Tim.  2:1-2).

    So, as Christian citizens you will be concerned about your government.  You will study issues before you vote.  You will express your opinions in an informed and constructive way.  Negative criticism and partisan attacks are not useful.  We are to support and pray for our leaders.

    As we begin this series on “What Difference Does Your Faith Make,” let’s analyze and evaluate our everyday life.  Does your faith make a difference in your family? Does your faith make a difference in your workplace?  Does your faith make a difference in your neighborhood?  Does your faith make a difference in your nation?

      If your faith doesn’t affect your whole life and those around you, then your conversion was incomplete.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commands” (John 14:15, edb).

    Paul said, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good . . .” (Tit.  2:7).

    John said, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6).

    So, what “gifts of grace” did you receive from God when you were converted?  What are the benefits of your faith and what differences do they make?

    First, feeling accepted abolishes shame.  You no longer have to deny your faults and cover up your weaknesses.  You don’t have to claim self-righteousness and live hypocritically.  You don’t have to be ashamed because God accepts you as you are.

    Next, feeling loved abolishes hatred.  You no longer have to be jealous of smart people or envious of rich people.  You don’t have to compete for attention and praise.  You don’t have to hate, because God loves you unconditionally.

    Third, feeling valued abolishes worthlessness.  You no longer have to boast and brag about your accomplishments.  You don’t have to compromise your moral standards in order to please people.  You don’t have to feel worthless, because God gives you great value.

    Fourth, feeling secure abolishes insecurity.  You no longer have to be afraid to make a mistake.  You don’t have to amass wealth or possessions to protect your status.  You don’t have to feel insecure, because God is with you forever.

    Fifth, feeling forgiven abolishes guilt.  You no longer have to criticize and judge others to excuse your own failures.  You won’t feel a need for revenge to settle scores.  You don’t have to feel guilty, because God has granted you absolute forgiveness for every sin.

    Sixth, having guidance abolishes confusion.  You no longer have to be paralyzed by uncertainty.  You don’t have to waste time and energy on dead end streets.  You don’t have to learn everything by trial and error.  You can trust your own instincts and common sense.  You don’t have to be confused, because God gives wisdom and guidance when we ask.

    Seventh, having support abolishes weakness.  You no longer have to hesitate or avoid involvement in life.  You don’t have to discount your abilities and claim inadequacy.  You don’t have to experience weakness, because God gives you strength.

    Eighth, having a purpose abolishes aimlessness.  You no longer have to live idle, lazy lives.  You don’t have to operate with a lack of direction and focus.  You don’t have to be aimless, because God has a special purpose for you and you can discover it.

    Finally, having hope abolishes despair.  You no longer have to dread the future.  You don’t have to suffer endless depression.  You don’t have to experience a sense of pessimism and futility.  You don’t have to feel despair, because God offers hope.

    So you see, salvation is not just a “ticket to heaven.”  It’s a “life change.”  Listen to these verses:  Paul said, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor.  5:17, kjv);

    He explained, “I was put to death on the cross with Christ, and I do not live anymore—it is Christ who lives in me” (Gal.  2:20a, edb).

    “You were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God—made to be truly good and holy” (Eph.  4:23-24, edb);

    “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you” (Col.  3:10a, edb).

    As Christians, God has given us this wonderful new life.  But, we must take advantage of its benefits.  We must let the fruits of the Spirit make a permanent difference in our attitudes and behavior.  We must let the God within give us joy, peace and confidence, and we must pass these benefits on to others.

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(WC1798)

Copyrighted 2010 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE.  The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works. 

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Miles E Wesner