Do You Really Want To Make A Difference?

How many times have you heard someone say, “I just want to make a difference”? By itself, this phrase seems noble; the type of thing you might read in a heroic novel where the protagonist, facing impossible odds, sacrifices everything for the good of others. While such people do exist in the real world, they are clearly not the majority.

The reality is that most of us will never stop a terrorist plot, capture a criminal mastermind, save the community from an oncoming natural disaster or rescue a damsel in distress. No, most of us will face the day-to-day challenges of balancing work and home life, trying to be good citizens and making the most of the talents and temperament that God has given us.

While it is wise to prepare ourselves for the low risk, but high consequence catastrophes of this world, we should not do so at the expense of the frequent needs that surround us each day. You see, waiting around for a chance to be a hero accomplishes nothing.

This is one of the reasons, I have a problem with the phrase, “I just want to make a difference” All too often this phrase is followed by an expression of frustration at being stuck in a certain place in life or by the boastful romanticism of future exploits. The result of either extreme is the same; nothing is accomplished but self pity and self absorption.

Do you want to make a difference, really? If so, then try the following:

Talk to the person that isn’t very pleasant to you.
Help someone who can’t pay you back.
Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it.
Tell someone the truth when no one else will.
Listen without talking at all.
Put up with people’s quirks.
Teach something of value to a young person…or any person for that matter.
Give all the glory, from your exploits and your life, to God.

If you want to make a difference, then serve wherever you go.

By: Scott Watson