Making a Difference

Chuckle: "Back in the sixties when the economy was suffering in England, some consideration was given to selling the Rock of Gibraltar to the French. All negotiations were halted when the British learned the French were planning to rename it "De Gaulle Stone."

Good Quote: "That best portion of a good man's life, His little, nameless, unremembered acts Of kindness and love." --William Wordsworth

"You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand" (Galatians 6:2 CEV).

Sometimes you may feel like a total failure. You may perceive that your life is not positively impacting anyone in a meaningful way. You may think that the routine of your day is unimportant. You may be thinking that you should be doing more with the life God has given you. Welcome to the club. I suspect we all have had similar feelings.

Recently, I received a kind note from one of my devotional readers who said a particular lesson had met a specific need at a critical time in his life. It's always good to know that our lives and ministries are having a positive impact; however, when such comments of affirmation and encouragement are not forthcoming, it's good to remember who we are serving and from whom our most important encouragement should come. As Christians, our service is to our Lord, and we serve Him by serving others -- meeting the needs of people around us. It is His approval that should be our motivation, not the response of the people we serve.

A sign read, "There is no limit to the good that a man can do, if he doesn't care who gets the credit." If you really don't care who gets the credit, then you can just enjoy yourself and do all kinds of good deeds for others. Just be glad that it is done, and don't worry about who gets the credit on earth, because your heavenly Father knows.

Just think of the lives you touch each day: your family members, neighbors, workmates, classmates, etc. Consider those who depend on you. Think about the positives in your life. The great preacher, Dwight L. Moody once wrote: "He does the most for God's great world who does the best in his own little world." Jesus always encourages His followers to be faithful in the little things of life, as unimportant as they may seem to us.

You are God's unique creation, with unique gifts and abilities and you can make a difference. All around you there are people who need a hug, a pat on the back, a word of encouragement, a show of genuine love, and compassion. Just love them as Jesus loves them. There's no better time than the present to refocus on touching the lives of others in kindness and love. A helping hand reveals the condition of the heart.

Love, Jerry & Dotse