I was chatting with our eldest son Ben today, and we started talking about focusing and keeping his mind set on Jesus and what He has called him to do and become rather than getting off focus with desires for other things and the noise and distractions of the world around him.
The Bible says that we will have a beautiful life when we keep our mind set on Jesus, so I wonder what would happen if we consistently allowed God to transform us as we renew our thinking? (Romans 8:5)
If we focus on what we can do to fulfil our purpose instead of focusing on what we can't?
And in the process, what if we spent our energy and intellect actively looking for ways to bless and help others?
How many lives would be saved? How many people could we give hope, inspiration and comfort to? How many hearts could we help heal, and how many words of encouragement could we give using our gifts and abilities to better the lives of those around us?
No one is insignificant, and no gift, skill or ability is too small that it won't or can't make a difference.
Today I encouraged Ben to set his mind not on the things of the flesh but the things of the Spirit because there he would find peace and life. He would do that as he set his mind on heaven and asked God every day, "what can I do to make a difference today, Lord?" and then used his strength, gifts, and abilities. For him, that's continuing to tutor kids, using his maths skills to help others, gigging with his sister when she needs a guitarist and looking for ways to make a difference. (Romans 8)
Today I encourage you to listen to God's promptings as He guides you through your day. Look to use your gifts, time, and abilities to make a difference as you determine to do what you can.
Seek to team up with other people who desire to make a difference and look for where your gifts and callings complement one another. Someone out there needs your skills, experience, advice, smile and helping hand. Together we can make a difference, and with God's help, we will change the world and live a beautiful life.
"Those who are motivated by the flesh only pursue what benefits themselves. But those who live by the impulses of the Holy Spirit are motivated to pursue spiritual realities. For the sense and reason of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace." (Romans 8:5 TPT)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Colossians 3:23)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Prayer: Lord, I want to be led by your Spirit and do what I can to make a difference today. Please transform me as I renew my thinking with what you say about my life and continue to make me a person who influences this world with your love and goodness. In Jesus name Amen.