The Power to Make a Difference

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Monday, January 23, 2006

Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. (1 Chronicles 16:23–24)

As believers living in an ungodly world, sometimes we wonder if we can ever make a difference. We wonder if we can effectively penetrate this cynical world with the Good News that God has given us to proclaim.

The answer to that question lies in the source of our power. If we rely on our own strength and methods, we cannot make much of a difference. If we rely on our own abilities, we will surely fail. But if we choose to be driven by God's limitless power, then nothing can stop us. We can make a difference in this world.

We as believers, as the church, are the only ones who are going to make a real difference. Those who are in the arena of politics will help some. Those who are trying to help in other areas will assist some. But the primary impact upon our culture will be made through the church.

But it won't be made through the church alone—it will be made by the church that is empowered by the Spirit of God. It is going to be made by the church that is obeying the Word of God, the church that will proclaim the Good News by the limitless power of God.

It is tempting to say, "Forget it. There isn't anything we can do. Obviously we are never going to affect this world in which we are living." But Jesus Christ has given us a mandate, and that is to affect this world that we live in. That is to be both salt and light, to be His representatives.

Used with Permission