I came across two sets of questions on the internet. Just for fun, answer them in your mind (don’t google the answers, ok?). 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world; 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners; 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest; 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize; 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress; 6. Name the last 10 World Series winners? How did you do? If you’re like me, I’m guessing “not so much.”
Let me give you a new set of questions. 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school; 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time; 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile; 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special; 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with; 6. Name six heroes whose stories have inspired you?
I don’t even have to ask you. You did SO MUCH better with the second set of questions. Why? The people who have made a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are the ones who CARE and who are INVOLVED in your life. Intuitively, we know this.
Jesus made a difference on so many levels. Spiritually through His redemptive work on the cross. Relationally, among other things, by being involved in people’s lives. How did he do it? There is a simple answer: He got out among the people. He did things for people and it didn’t matter if they were people in his friend’s list or not. He poured Himself into the likes of a ragtag group of misfits He called His disciples. He’s still doing it today. He does it with me and He can do it with you. Not a bad example to follow. Luke put it like this: “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40